Promotion disputes lead to legal action against University of Luxembourg

A group of University of Luxembourg staff have taken a promotions dispute to the administrative court, alleging that changes to evaluation committees blocked or delayed their advancement. An official case has been opened. A hearing date has not yet been set.

Faculty members who spoke to RTL Today described a climate of mounting tension within the institution, alleging "moral harassment" and retaliation, and saying that those who speak up risk professional consequences. Several say the strain is now visible in day-to-day work, with increased stress, lower morale, and reports of burnout affecting staff well-being.

The allegations emerge only weeks after a masked demonstration in Luxembourg City, where protesters condemned what they described as "an alarming situation behind the scenes at the University", citing abusive leadership practices and threats to the institution’s educational mission.

What the case is about

RTL Today has reviewed legal documents and internal correspondence linked to the dispute. Several academics say the Finance Department of the Faculty of Law, Economics and Finance (FDEF) applied evaluation practices that departed from agreed criteria after the 2023 university council election. They allege that promotions were withheld or slowed for staff who supported a rival candidate.

According to sources, frictions trace back to this 2023 election, with relations deteriorating after this date. The Dean of the faculty is alleged to have tried to influence the composition of election committees and to have urged a candidate to withdraw, arguing the person lacked seniority for future governance roles. The candidate refused to step down and was elected, later telling RTL that several people within the faculty had warned them about the potential consequences of their actions, and of disagreeing with leadership – not only for themselves but also for their colleagues.

In fact, sources say that after the election, existing tenure and promotion committee were dissolved and restructured without using the established criteria. The decision was reportedly made in response to potential conflicts of interest within the original committee, though sources told RTL that these concerns were never officially detailed.

In March and April 2024, several candidates wrote to the rector contesting both the reshuffle and the evaluation standards used, arguing that the criteria no longer matched what had been agreed. University leadership told staff that the existing criteria would remain in force and that an external independent consultant had been appointed to select the new committee but several sources questioned the independence of that consultant, citing alleged professional ties to the Dean, raising conflicts of interest concerns.

Further letters, including some sent via a Luxembourgish law firm, protested the restructuring and argued that it breached internal governance rules. Staff members say these complaints received no official reply and that the conflicts of interest used to justify the changes were not officially substantiated. Some staff view the restructuring as alleged retaliation for positions taken during the 2023 election.

Union and legal actions

In February 2025, the OGBL trade union sent a letter requesting that the decision to reform the committee be reversed. In a written statement to RTL Today, the OGBL confirmed that both the union and the staff delegation had contacted the rector to raise concerns about inconsistencies between the committee's recommendations and the university’s established promotion criteria.

The union said it did not intervene in the evaluation process itself but sought to ensure fairness and transparency. According to the OGBL, the rector replied in March 2025, stating that the information provided did not justify a review of the committee’s recommendations. The union added that affected staff members have taken the matter to court. As proceedings are ongoing, the union declined to comment further.

The lawyer representing several staff members told RTL Today: "At first, I thought it might be a misunderstanding. But the more I look into the case, the more serious questions I have. There seems to be something very unhealthy about this university." The lawyer added that the case appears to reflect "a broader cultural issue beyond the finance department".

Impact on well-being 

Multiple employees describe a deteriorating atmosphere where disagreement and even casual discussion about internal issues is viewed with suspicion. Several said they feared speaking openly because of possible professional repercussions and some even report being subject to internal disciplinary investigations launched by the Dean.

Staff told RTL Today the situation has led to significant stress and, in some cases, health issues. One employee reported panic attacks and the need for psychological support. Others said uncertainty around promotions and governance has affected their ability to focus on research and teaching, and has made them question their future at the university.

In a statement to RTL, the University said complaints of "moral harassment" at FDEF are being handled under internal procedures and parties will be informed of the outcome. It denied blocking promotions, saying decisions followed its rules, and noted some staff have indeed petitioned the administrative court. It added that no information on election irregularities has been brought to the rectorate.