Fatigue and rising costs are prompting cross-border commuters to question whether working in Luxembourg is still worth the sacrifices, as shifting priorities and economic pressures reshape the appeal of cross-border jobs.

The cost of travelling, long journeys, and insufficient wages to compensate for the loss of time in one's private life... Is it still worth being a cross-border commuter? A question that might worry the Luxembourg government given a new trend of cross-border fatigue.

Julien Dauer, director of Frontaliers Grand Est, has witnessed a wave of weariness among his constituents who are confronted with the rising uncertainties and numerous daily inconveniences.

The association, which has just celebrated its 30th anniversary, helps cross-border workers for free by answering any questions they might have on Luxembourg, Belgium, Germany, or Switzerland. Recently, they have concluded that many of the daily commuters are exhibiting signs of defeat.

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"For workers close to the border, Luxembourg is inevitable. But the further south of Thionville one reaches, the more tired workers become", says Dauer. "There is a real fatigue, a feeling of weariness, a sense of 'us again' facing the numerous hardships", he continues. The increase in taxes expected in 2025 for multiple French border workers, as well as the controversy over their unemployment benefits, are meanwhile expected to deal another blow to cross-border workers in the new year.

With fatigue comes a real question mark over the value of cross-border work, particularly in unskilled occupations. Although the latter will not be taxable any longer in 2025. Dauer elaborated: "For executive positions and other qualified jobs, the appeal will remain. Yet for the others, considering the costs of transportation, the working times, the difference in salary, many ask 'is it still worth it?'.

"Nowadays, restaurant owners in the French border area have managed to win back former employees from Luxembourg by offering them a better balance between their private and personal lives."

The above-mentioned balance has further been put into perspective by the Covid pandemic. Four years afterwards, workers are more prone to brave the step. "People say that Covid has changed priorities, and today these issues have matured. We're moving from words to action", remarks Dauer.

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Luxembourg's attractiveness in jeopardy? 

Added to this are concerns about retirement and uncertainty about unemployment on the French side. "What will be at stake is the attractiveness of Luxembourg", predicts the director of Frontaliers Grand Est.

A tipping point is looming for the older generation of cross-border commuters, whose careers are coming to an end, explains Dauer: "Older cross-border commuters say they have 'no choice' but to finish their careers in Luxembourg, but they also say 'I wouldn't make the same career choices again'.

"And among young people, there is no longer any taboo about working in Luxembourg, which is also seen as a short-term solution and no longer as an indispensable opportunity. For this generation, which is not all about salary, working in France is no longer repulsive."

It is time for Luxembourg to be alarmed since the problems French workers face also concern Belgian and German commuters, whose numbers are already stagnant. Luxembourg's labour market is demanding, and the country's residents alone are not enough to sustain it.

For Dauer, it is in the interests of Luxembourg and its neighbours to cooperate more. "It's not a question of reacting in a fragmentary manner, but of having a real vision for the future of cross-border work."