Allegations of poor management and a "toxic work environment" at the Contern municipality have sparked criticism from the OGBL and local opposition parties, who are demanding explanations from the town's leadership.
The Independent Luxembourg Trade Union Confederation (OGBL) has raised concerns over what it describes as a "toxic work environment" for staff at the municipality of Contern.
In a statement published on Monday, the OGBL cited reports from the personnel delegation, highlighting issues such as a lack of appreciation for employees' work and excessive performance pressure, all allegedly under "a management lacking proper leadership skills."
Local opposition parties, the Democratic Party (DP) and the Green Party ("Déi Gréng"), also voiced their concerns on social media. In a joint letter to the municipal executive board ("Schäfferot"), both parties called for a response to the allegations at the next municipal council meeting.
Opposition demands answers
Jean-Jacques Arrensdorff of the Green Party believes the municipal executive board is primarily responsible for the situation. To clarify the issues at hand, the DP and the Green Party have submitted 20 questions to the board, with Arrensdorff noting that conditions have worsened since 2019.
Since then, 14 employees have left the municipality, including nine who resigned.
DP councillor Robert Axmann, who previously worked in the private sector, expressed concern, stating he had "never seen anything like it" in his career. He hopes the executive board will provide clear answers to the opposition's enquiries, stressing the town leadership's accountability in addressing these concerns.
Independent survey underway
Mayor Marion Zovilé of the Christian Social People's Party (CSV) expressed surprise at the opposition's urgency in addressing the situation. Zovilé explained that she had sensed "something was in the air" and had already taken action in June by commissioning an external company to investigate the concerns raised by staff. With the agreement of the municipal council, the executive board tasked an independent firm with speaking to employees to identify the root of the problem.
Employees "important" to town leadership
Addressing the claim that 14 employees had left the municipality in recent years, Mayor Zovilé argued that the figure includes retirees and those who left for better opportunities. When asked if she might be too strict, the mayor denied this, describing herself as "honest and fair" and emphasising that she "treats everyone equally."
As the town awaits the findings of the external experts, Green Party councillor Jean-Jacques Arrensdorff stressed that "this is about people, not political manoeuvres." Mayor Zovilé, meanwhile, cautioned that she may not have many answers at the next municipal council meeting, as the report is expected to be completed no earlier than the end of October.
