Two days ahead of a new round of tripartite discussions, Patrick Dury, president of the LCGB trade union, was a guest in RTL's newsroom on Monday.
The joint OGBL-LCGB trade union front is "determined" to participate in the third social round table discussion this Wednesday in order to reach an agreement and "finalise things", as Patrick Dury said on RTL Radio on Monday.
The LCGB president appeared optimistic, in his eyes 'the government's attack on the social model was halted by the large demonstration on June 28 and the efforts of the unions.
After the first two meetings organised in July, projects aiming to dilute collective agreements were abandoned. During the second-round talks on July 14, the proposals to extend Sunday work and shop opening hours were watered down, as was the idea to extend the contribution period for pension entitlements.
"The ideas and principles laid on the table on 14 July strongly suggest that we will reach an agreement with the government," said Dury, believing that a resolution can be concluded on Wednesday.
After having been directly opposed in previous months – particularly during debates on pension reform and changes sought by the government for the retail sector – unions and employers should 'turn the page and move forward'.
It also needs to be acknowledged that pension reform will not bring a "miracle solution" and may require further adjustments in five to ten years.
At this stage, the plan to gradually increase the contribution period to 45 years has been dropped, according to Dury. However, changes are still expected on early retirement age.
The unions also no longer reject Sunday work, but insist it must be regulated through collective agreements.
"Our goal is not to block, but to help shape decent working conditions and preserve a dignified life," Dury concluded.
