© Maxime Gillen
The OGBL has condemned potential government plans to exclude trade unions from collective bargaining, describing it as a "red line" that cannot be crossed.
Following a national committee meeting of the Independent Luxembourg Trade Union Confederation (OGBL), President Nora Back expressed strong dissatisfaction with the government's approach, stating: "If the government's goal was to make us angry, they have succeeded."
One key issue fuelling the OGBL's frustration is the possibility that trade unions may be excluded from future collective agreement negotiations in companies. The OGBL described such a proposal as a "red line" during its meeting in Esch-sur-Alzette on Tuesday.
More collective agreements, but not at any cost
Currently, about half of Luxembourg's workforce is covered by collective agreements, a figure the OGBL deems "far from sufficient". The trade union's stance aligns with a recent EU directive, which calls for Luxembourg to achieve 80% coverage. The suggestion to exclude trade unions aims to speed up negotiations and meet this target faster.
However, OGBL President Nora Back urged Minister of Labour Georges Mischo to reject this idea, arguing that without union involvement, employees would lack the independence and resources needed to negotiate fair agreements.
OGBL stands firm on public pension system
Amid discussions of a potential pension reform, the OGBL reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the public pension system. The trade union argues that current pension levels are modest, with the average pension for a lifelong worker in Luxembourg standing at around €3,600. Nora Back warned of a serious risk of poverty in old age if the system is not adequately protected.
The OGBL also voiced concerns over claims that small pensions would be improved. According to Back, such promises could lead to the privatisation of the pension system, resulting in cutbacks for all beneficiaries.
On 9 October, the OGBL and the Luxembourg Confederation of Christian Trade Unions (LCGB) will meet for the first time with Minister of Social Security Martine Deprez for to discuss the future of the pension system.
Liberty Steel employees live in 'constant fear'
The OGBL also highlighted ongoing issues in several companies where it is active, including at Liberty Steel's plant in Dudelange. OGBL President Nora Back pointed out that production at the site has been halted for two years, leaving employees "living in constant fear", uncertain about the future of their jobs and salaries. "All they want is to work, to do their jobs, but they are unable to do so", Back said.
She expressed frustration that despite efforts from four different labour ministers and three economy ministers, no solution has yet been found for the situation at Liberty Steel.
In a separate issue, the OGBL urged Prime Minister Luc Frieden "one last time" to intervene and address concerns related to Caritas. The trade union is calling for the transfer of Caritas staff to the new organisation, HUT – Hëllef um Terrain ('Help on the Ground'), under the framework of a standard company transfer.
