Trade unions walked out of negotiations with Minister of Labour Georges Mischo during a contentious meeting over a proposed law that could reshape collective bargaining practices.

Tensions escalated during a meeting between social partners and Minister of Labour Georges Mischo, resulting in trade unions walking out of the negotiations.

Minister Mischo is proposing a law that would permit collective agreements to be negotiated in companies without the involvement of trade unions.

The central issue of the discussions revolves around whether union representation is necessary at the negotiating table during collective bargaining for employees.

Minister Mischo argues that currently, 56% of employee representatives in companies do not belong to a union, suggesting that this reality should be acknowledged. Employer representatives share this perspective.

Conversely, trade unions argue that without union support, employee representatives are at a disadvantage in negotiations, as they are economically reliant on their employers. They contend that such negotiations would not be fair.

A response from the trade unions is anticipated soon.