OGBL leader threatens strikes over retail and pension reform

On Wednesday morning, Nora Back, president of the Independent Luxembourg Trade Union Confederation (OGBL), spoke to our colleagues from RTL Radio about the role of trade unions in Luxembourg and the challenges expected in 2025.

Back anticipates a "combative year" ahead, emphasising that the OGBL is preparing for a busy period of work and challenges.

She mentioned that the union had attempted to engage in dialogue with Minister of Labour Georges Mischo, but after these efforts proved unsuccessful, the OGBL has now requested a meeting with Prime Minister Luc Frieden. Back stressed the need for clear statements on key issues such as collective bargaining, shop opening hours, and pensions.

Describing what she sees as a "paradigm shift" in the relationship between trade unions and the government, Back lamented the changing dynamic, noting that in the past, the relationship was more collaborative and mutual.

OGBL sees significant growth in membership

Back also addressed ongoing tensions with employer representatives. She sharply criticised recent remarks that described trade unions as a "side issue," calling them "totally impertinent" and "an unnecessary attack." In response, she refuted the claim, pointing out that union membership in Luxembourg has grown significantly.

Back highlighted that 75% of the workforce is covered by a union delegation, and in 2024 alone, the OGBL gained a record 10,000 new members.

"Who wants to go buy a pair of jeans at night?"

Back also commented on proposed changes in the retail sector, including plans to extend Sunday work from four to eight hours and liberalise weekday opening hours, which would run from 5am to 10pm, and until 7pm on Sundays. She described these extended hours as "a disaster" and criticised the decision as incomprehensible, pointing out that employees are opposed to evening and Sunday work.

She highlighted that approximately 50,000 people work in retail, many of whom are women, cross-border workers, and single parents. For these individuals, balancing work with personal life would be a significant challenge, Back noted. According to her, the proposed change in opening hours amounts to "complete liberalisation." She dismissed any suggestion that the changes were a compromise, stating that this was nothing more than a "show" orchestrated by employers.

Back also questioned whether the changes would genuinely benefit customers, rhetorically asking, "Who wants to go buy a pair of jeans at night?" She added that, in the end, "everyone has just one wallet."

Union leaders plan major actions

Despite the tensions with the government and employers, Back noted a positive outcome: a closer relationship between the OGBL and the Luxembourg Confederation of Christian Trade Unions (LCGB). She warned that if no clear statements are made, the unions are prepared to escalate their actions, including the possibility of strikes and even a general strike. Back expressed confidence that workers would support major union actions if they were announced.

Pension reform: OGBL opposes cuts to workers' benefits

Turning to pension reform, Back reiterated the unions' demand for clarity, stressing that they are not opposed to reform, but to any reduction in benefits for workers. She argued that if reserves are insufficient to meet pension expenses, alternative sources of income must be found. She made it clear that any cuts to benefits would be unacceptable, describing such a move as a "red line" for the OGBL.