RTL Today - Investigation ongoing: Tensions flare between municipalities and employees

Reports of tensions between municipal authorities and their employees have previously emerged in several municipalities, including Contern, Dudelange, and most recently, Remich.

Emile Eicher, president of the Association of Luxembourg Cities and Municipalities (Syvicol), addressed the matter during an interview with RTL. While acknowledging the reports, Eicher clarified that he had not directly spoken to officials in the affected municipalities. However, he highlighted ongoing efforts to address workplace issues, including a recent meeting between Syvicol and the municipal trade union FGFC. During this meeting, both parties agreed to establish a working group to tackle these challenges.

Eicher also mentioned plans to develop a regulation of internal order in collaboration with the Ministry of the Interior. This initiative, however, predates the recent incidents and was not directly prompted by them.

Ongoing investigations

When asked whether municipal authorities are mistreating their employees, Eicher refrained from making definitive statements, stressing the need to await the results of ongoing investigations. He noted that workplace dynamics in municipalities are not fundamentally different from those in the public or private sectors. According to Eicher, effective management is key: clear communication, good supervision, and active listening are essential for fostering positive work environments. That’s half the battle won, he remarked.

Eicher also addressed concerns about employee conduct, emphasising that municipalities should follow established procedures similar to those used by the state. This includes the possibility of appointing a commissioner and forming a disciplinary council when necessary.

He stressed that recent cases of tension are exceptions rather than the norm. "The vast majority of municipal employees perform their duties exceptionally well," he said, adding that isolated incidents should not overshadow the broader picture of dedicated public service.