© Domingos Oliveira / RTL
As the government prepares to invest over a billion euros in defence, the army's professional union is demanding a "proper legal status" for soldiers, arguing that massive equipment spending is meaningless without parallel investment in personnel.
The Luxembourg Army Professional Union (SPAL) is calling for the establishment of a "proper legal status" for soldiers, specifically proposing an employee status within the C2 career path.
The demand was highlighted during the union's general meeting on Tuesday evening. SPAL President Christian Schleck stated, "Even though billions are going to be invested in defence, we're unable to hire soldiers with a decent legal status." He argued that provisions like the right to training or part-time leave are often applied inconsistently, and that some soldiers earn up to €500 less than the unskilled minimum wage.
Romain Wolff, President of the General Confederation of the Civil Service (CGFP), also addressed the meeting, describing the current situation as unacceptable. "We call on the politicians to act very quickly," Wolff said, directing his remarks to the few MPs present: "You cannot and must not treat your personnel this way."
The meeting at the "Al Seeërei" in Diekirch was attended by only a small number of union members – approximately 30 – and few politicians, including MPs Fernand Etgen and André Bauler from the Democratic Party (DP) and Tom Weidig from the Alternative Democratic Reform Party (ADR).
SPAL Vice-President Tom Braquet pointed to the government's plan to invest €1.18 billion in defence by the end of the year, arguing it would be absurd not to proportionally invest in personnel. "Without judging whether this spending is justified or not," Braquet stressed, "it is impossible for personnel costs not to keep pace with this expenditure. It's simply impossible."
The union also warned that poor conditions extend to pensions, with Schleck cautioning that "soldiers who have served their country risk falling into poverty in old age." He concluded that "a lot of things need to be tightened up."
In light of ongoing large-scale recruitment efforts, the SPAL insists there is "no way around a fundamental reform" of the military's structure.
The union reiterated its long-standing call for a ministry dedicated solely to defence, arguing that the sector's significant investments warrant a higher political profile. Defence is currently a responsibility of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Other key demands include a public discussion on establishing a reserve army and comprehensive reviews of training, equipment, and infrastructure. "The politicians must consider a reserve force," the SPAL leaders stated: "We also think that the public should ask itself this question [...] especially at this time."
The SPAL also advocates for the creation of a military ombudsman – an independent official tasked with oversight within the defence sector.
While the union expressed support for the planned bi-national battalion with Belgium, it raised practical concerns about staffing. Leaders questioned where the necessary 300 to 350 recruits will be found within the next three to five years.
