The government has entered crucial negotiations with unions and employers Wednesday, attempting to ease tensions after at least 14,000 protested against proposed labour reforms in late June.
The Luxembourg government is convening with union leaders and employers on Wednesday, marking the first high-level talks since trade unions mobilised thousands in protest two weeks ago.
The closed-door meeting at the Ministry of State aims to rebuild social dialogue following the massive OGBL–LCGB demonstration on 28 June.
Union representatives Nora Back (OGBL) and Patrick Dury (LCGB) reiterated their firm opposition to any weakening of collective bargaining agreements before entering discussions. Their stance directly challenges proposed reforms that would allow companies to negotiate certain workforce terms without union involvement.
Prime Minister Luc Frieden, Deputy PM Xavier Bettel, and seven seven other Christian Social People's Party (CSV) and Democratic Party (DP) ministers have been engaging with union and employer representatives since 3pm. While unions signalled openness to dialogue, they withheld detailed positions ahead of the negotiations. Luxembourg Employers' Association (UEL) president Michel Reckinger characterised the meeting as an opportunity to "reaffirm core positions."
Frieden struck an optimistic tone beforehand, predicting productive discussions but avoiding specifics on the contentious collective agreement issue.
Outcomes remain unclear, though the PM is scheduled to brief media Wednesday evening and address parliament Thursday morning.
