Trade union federations OGBL and LCGB have withdrawn from Luxembourg’s key labor law negotiations, leaving the government to consider unilateral decisions amid deep divisions between social partners, Economy Minister Lex Delles confirmed Friday.
Luxembourg’s social dialogue process is facing significant difficulties, with major trade unions announcing their withdrawal from the ongoing tripartite discussions. On Thursday, the union federations OGBL and LCGB declared they no longer wish to participate in talks alongside government and employer representatives, halting progress on modernizing labor laws, a key point in the current coalition agreement.
DP Economic Minister Lex Delles acknowledged the stalemate in an RTL interview on Friday morning, stating, “The social dialogue has difficulties. But we managed to get all sides back to the table, although the result was that we did not reach a common denominator.” He emphasized the government’s effort to seek a “broad consensus” despite the deep divisions between unions and employers.
The government had planned to tackle labor law modernization in the Standing Committee on Labour and Employment (CPTE), led by Labor Minister Georges Mischo and supported by Minister Delles. However, the unions’ refusal to participate means the process is currently stalled.
Delles defended the government’s handling of the situation amid criticism, noting it was impossible to side exclusively with either unions or employers. He admitted, that “It would certainly have been easier" if a written agreement had come out of the social rounds, to which everyone would have felt bound. Without consensus political responsibility requires decision-making.
Despite the setback, the government remains open to bilateral talks with unions, maintaining that the Luxembourg model relies on dialogue. Delles expressed hope to eventually return to a tripartite negotiation framework, especially in economically more challenging times and amid rising unemployment.
Meanwhile, the youth wing of the DP, the Young Democrats (JDL), criticized recent pension decisions. Although Delles had previously clashed with the LCGB’s Marc Spautz over policy critiques, he stressed that the JDL is an independent organization where he could not interfere. He added that he understands the youth might have differing perspectives on pensions.
Finally, Delles reaffirmed the DP’s full support for the coalition government alongside the CSV.
