RTL Today - Strike at Ampacet: Management urges OGBL to exercise right to strike 'peacefully'

After eight days of strike action outside its Dudelange plant, Ampacet Luxembourg has broken its silence to address what it calls "false assertions" and denounce the "intolerable actions" of striking workers from the Independent Luxembourg Trade Union Confederation (OGBL).

The Independent Luxembourg Trade Union Confederation (OGBL) remains steadfast in its determination to be heard by Ampacet Luxembourg management, as announced during a press briefing held at the entrance to the production site in Dudelange amidst snowfall. The OGBL implores Ampacet Luxembourg management to return to the negotiating table to "find a solution," explained Alain Rolling, Secretary General of the Chemicals Union, highlighting the need to revisit the collective labour agreement following unsuccessful negotiations initiated last spring.

In a press release dated Monday evening and sent to the press via a law firm, Ampacet's management finally broke its long silence to "rectify false assertions concerning discussions on the current working conditions at our Dudelange plant." Contrary to claims made by OGBL on Monday, the management clarified, "we have not hired any temporary workers since the start of the strike," and "nor have we reduced the wages of our staff to the legal minimum."

Ampacet maintained that it has been negotiating in good faith since March, adhering to the Luxembourg Labour Code and collaborating with trade union organisations to renew the collective agreement. Despite these efforts and the involvement of the National Conciliation Office (ONC), no agreement has been reached, leading Ampacet to request a non-conciliation order, according to the American company.

Non-striking workers "intimidated and verbally attacked"

Ampacet's management emphasises that "the final offer presented to the ONC is significantly higher than reported by the OGBL in the media. The proposed adjustments and additional benefits were offered in addition to those already enjoyed by all employees."

Accused by the OGBL of not respecting the fundamental right to strike in Luxembourg, Ampacet's management counters these claims. The company asserts its respect for all employees exercising their right to strike but condemns "acts of defamation, intimidation, and any illegal behaviour." Notably, Ampacet management claims that almost 30% of non-striking employees have allegedly faced "intimidation and verbal attacks" from OGBL workers on strike when entering the workplace."

Challenging market conditions, but plans to still increase production capacity

Contrary to claims made by the OGBL on Monday, Ampacet's management states that suppliers and customers "are blocked at the entrance to the site, despite a court decision expressly forbidding such refusal of access to our premises." The management urges the OGBL to adhere to the established rules and "encourages the OGBL to ensure that the right to strike is exercised in a peaceful manner."

Looking ahead to future negotiations, Ampacet's management highlights the "challenging" market conditions in 2023, impacting Ampacet Dudelange significantly. Economic growth projections for Europe in 2024 remain "difficult." However, despite these challenges, the company remains committed to its plans to "increase colour production capacity at the Dudelange site."