The tripartite meeting will primarily focus on the subjects that have been debated for weeks and months in public, such as social dialogue and collective agreements.
One thing is clear: all of the social partners have a seat at the table on Wednesday. Aside from the government and the employers’ association, the trade unions CGFP, OGBL and LCGB will also be present. The trade union front informed RTL that they were satisfied with the day’s agenda and that they were open to discussions.
On the side of the government, the delegation consists of eight people. Representing the CSV are Prime Minister Luc Frieden, Finance Minister Gilles Roth, Social Affairs Minister Martine Deprez, and Labor Minister Georges Mischo.
Representing the Democratic Party are Deputy PM and Minister of Foreign Affairs Xavier Bettel, Economy Minister Lex Delles, Education and Housing Minister Claude Meisch, and Family Minister Max Hahn.
Six points are going to be up for negotiation, according to primary information revealed to RTL. These include the two points that have been inspiring the most emotional reactions, namely social dialogue and collective agreements. The trade unions are adamant to keep their prerogative to negotiate the collective labour agreements.
Further points on the agenda include Sunday work and shop opening hours, before the three social partners move on to discuss the pension system and finally the EU minimum wage regulation.
The meeting will be held at the Ministry of State and could last hours, depending on how the discussions progress and whether all parties are willing to stay.
On 9 July, Prime Minister Luc Frieden (CSV) will give a first assessment of the talks, which are taking place after months of deadlock, when he goes to parliament. A declaration by Frieden is scheduled for late morning.
