With the standard tripartite dialogue on labour issues suspended, the Luxembourg government will commence bilateral talks with unions on Tuesday to address the contentious future of working time regulations.

The first in a series of bilateral talks concerning the future regulation of working hours is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon at the Ministry of Labour.

The matter of working time organisation is typically the responsibility of the Standing Committee on Labour and Employment (CPTE), a tripartite body comprising the government, employers, and trade unions. However, this process was disrupted following the latest tripartite social meetings, when unions announced they would no longer attend the CPTE.

In mid-September, the joint OGBL-LCGB union front stated its refusal to practice an "empty chair policy" or face what it perceived as humiliation. In response, the government initiated a new approach, seeking solutions through separate bilateral discussions with the unions and employer representatives.

The initial meeting with the union representatives will take place on Tuesday. The discussions are expected to address core aspects of working time organisation, including weekly hours, scheduling, break periods, and regulations governing holidays and overtime.

A central point of contention is the unions' stated concern that employers are seeking to significantly increase flexibility and extend maximum working hours.