Employees say working conditions at TICE have worsened under new leadership, prompting a protest highlighting staffing shortages, mounting pressure, and insufficient breaks.
On Friday, around 80 TICE employees gathered for a protest picket in front of the company’s headquarters, organised by the General Federation of Municipal Workers (FGFC) union representing municipal staff. The aim was not to strike but to send a message against what employees describe as a deteriorating work climate.
Théo Schickes, president of the staff delegation, criticised management for a restrictive approach:
"The main complaints are that, in recent years, a restrictive policy has been pursued, staff rights are often disregarded, and we would like fir this to stop and for dialogue with us to be actively sought in the future."
Employees highlighted inflexible leave policies, mandatory visits to the company doctor even for short-term illness, and staffing shortages that make shifts increasingly difficult. Many said TICE used to be a workplace they enjoyed, but that is no longer the case:
"There are many people who are dissatisfied. There's a lot of disrespect now", said Schickes.
"Reports are demanded for mistakes while driving. Instead of guidance, drivers are simply reprimanded harshly. Sometimes people are treated like dirt, and that’s no longer acceptable on a human level."
"Our working conditions have deteriorated. We face increasing pressure, must do more, and receive less break time."
Employees are worried that they are not being treated with basic respect anymore, as it was once the case.
Caroline Meyers, a TICE employee who has been working there for 15 years, stressed the need for earlier communication and reassurance:
"I would have wished for earlier meetings and better information, so employees could feel more comfortable. Then the other grievances might not have been so hard to bear."
Staff say the climate worsened after Mike Schoos took over as director at the end of 2022. Marco Lux, TICE committee president and Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party (LSAP) alderman in Kayl, also voiced disappointment:
"Social dialogue is discussed in Parliament and elsewhere, but it is clearly missing here. Even the LSAP, which fights for dialogue, is practically absent at TICE."
TICE management was unavailable for comment. FGFC representatives indicated that further action may be considered if no solution is found soon.
