A proposed bill to expand opening hours for retail and craft businesses has drawn sharp opposition from trade unions, which accuse the government of undermining workers' rights.
The Government Council has decided to move ahead with a draft bill that seeks to extend opening hours for retail and craft businesses. Under the proposed legislation, businesses would be permitted to open between 5am and 10pm from Monday to Friday and between 5am and 7pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.
Exceptions would apply to three public holidays –1 May, 25 December, and 1 January – when only butchers, bakeries, cake shops, and delis would be allowed to operate.
The bill does not mandate businesses to adopt the new hours but offers them flexibility to "adapt to the preferences of customers and staff." Businesses wishing to open outside these hours would need a special authorisation and a collective agreement.
Trade unions oppose "extreme flexibilisation"
The Independent Luxembourg Trade Union Confederation (OGBL) and the Luxembourg Confederation of Christian Trade Unions (LCGB) have condemned the proposed changes, describing the bill as "an all-out attack" on social rights. They argue it represents "extreme flexibilisation" and would negatively impact the work-life balance of employees in the retail and craft sectors, which employ a significant number of women and single parents.
The unions cited a 2018 study by the Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research (LISER), which found that most employees oppose working on Sundays or late into the evening.
In a joint statement, the OGBL and LCGB accused the government of using "salami slicing tactics" to gradually erode working conditions. They also criticised the government for refusing to engage in social dialogue and actively attempting to bypass the Standing Committee on Labour and Employment.
The unions have sent a letter to Prime Minister Luc Frieden requesting an official response and are currently discussing potential union actions.
