Luxembourg's government faces mounting pressure to resolve the six-year Liberty Steel crisis, as 150 Dudelange employees enter their sixth month without pay while awaiting Turkish buyer Tosyali Holding's final commitment.
Minister of Labour Georges Mischo expressed optimism Tuesday about resolving the prolonged uncertainty facing 150 Liberty Steel employees in Dudelange, acknowledging the "very tiring" six-month wait for a buyer while assuring workers "they will not be forgotten."
The industrial case, ongoing for six years, reached a critical point when Liberty Steel filed for bankruptcy in November 2024. Since then, employees at the Wolser industrial zone have maintained the site while facing contradictory demands - either seeking alternative employment or registering as unemployed, despite theoretical job guarantees. Trade unions OGBL and LCGB have condemned what they describe as an "absurd and endless situation".
During Tuesday's Economic Committee meeting in Luxembourg City, Minister Mischo revealed: "We have proposals on the table that we cannot yet disclose, but we are confident we can find a solution." He later reiterated this message directly to protesting workers outside the Ministry of Economy building, though noted the proposals' feasibility requires further discussion.
The minister acknowledged the severe impact on workers: "This is a very, very critical and exhausting situation that has now been going on for six years." His public assurance - "We will support you...And we will not forget you!" - came as employees marked six months without pay.
While initial aid was distributed post-bankruptcy, unions maintain these measures are insufficient. OGBL steel and mining union secretary Stefano Araujo emphasised: "We must preserve the workforce - the site has operational potential, but cannot function without its employees."
When will the buyer sign?
Trade unions are pressing for accelerated action following the identification of Turkish steel producer Tosyali Holding as the prospective buyer for Liberty Steel. "We now need concrete steps to finalise the transition to this buyer or another", stated Robert Fornieri, LCGB deputy general secretary, echoing workers' frustrations over the prolonged sale process.
Minister Mischo confirmed the state has "done everything it can", including €12 million in site investments, and anticipates the buyer's commitment by mid-May.
The protracted bankruptcy-to-takeover process has revealed flaws in Luxembourg's crisis management framework. Unions argue current tools are inadequate for such complex industrial cases, creating a "legal vacuum that demands urgent attention."
Fornieri issued a stark warning: "If lawmakers fail to act after this dramatic, unprecedented, and exceptional situation, it would be a disgrace, a total failure, and a missed opportunity!". He particularly highlighted disparities in cross-border worker protections: "Social measures lack consistency across France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and Germany. We must rethink the Greater Region's framework to ensure fair treatment for all workers."
