Ahead of the third round of social talks between Luxembourg's trade unions, employers, and the government, Nora Back expressed hope that discussions can build on July's negotiations.

President of the trade union OGBL Nora Back said she hopes talks won't have to start from scratch.

Regarding Prime Minister Luc Frieden's comment last week that he hopes to wrap up discussions in September, Back seems optimistic about the proposed timeline.

"It's always difficult to predict, because you know how long we've already been at it, late into the night, with nothing to come out of it. Of course, we simply give in on all points, there are still several issues that need to be clarified. And I certainly hope that we can reach a positive conclusion," the trade union leader added.

Frieden and president of the Luxembourg Employers' Association (UEL), Michel Reckinger, believe that the talks do not necessarily need to end with a written agreement between the social partners, nor that consensus must be reached on every point.

Back, in contrast, disagrees: "I think it is important that we reach an agreement. We are not doing all this for nothing, only to part ways afterwards saying everyone will just do as they please. In fact, the meetings in July, where we left off, ended on a positive note. We had already moved forward a good way. We assume now that we can pick up from there."

In July, the Prime Minister assured the trade unions that they would retain the exclusive right to negotiate collective agreements. Current talks continue to focus on Sunday work, opening hours, and pensions.

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