Luxembourg's major trade unions were caught off guard by Tarkett GDL's announcement to lay off 126 employees, despite recent talks of an employment maintenance plan that did not include such measures.

In a joint press release (FR) published on Wednesday, the Independent Luxembourg Trade Union Confederation (OGBL) and the Luxembourg Confederation of Christian Trade Unions (LCGB) expressed their shock at the decision of Tarkett GDL to lay off 126 employees. Management of the flooring manufacturer informed the trade unions about the redundancy on Tuesday, which came at a surprise since Tarkett had recently drawn up a new employment maintenance plan with no discussion of layoffs at that stage.

The OGBL and LCGB said they would do everything within their power to prevent these job losses. Tarkett currently employs 562 people in Lentzweiler, just outside of Clervaux.

An initial discussion with management is due to go ahead on Monday 29 April. The trade unions said they would only attend if they can obtain a meeting with Labour Minister Georges Mischo prior to the management negotiations.