The civil servants’ federation (CGFP) strongly condemned what it sees as the latest privatisation efforts in the healthcare sector.

The CGFP has accused the government of undermining Luxembourg’s long-standing social dialogue model by attempting to fast-track a draft law on the creation of a national purchasing and logistics centre through parliament without prior consultation with unions or sectoral stakeholders.

The proposed centre would serve as a central procurement hub and storage facility for essential medicines among other items, potentially affecting hospital operations and public employees working in the health sector.

In a sharply worded statement, the CGFP accused Health Minister Martine Deprez of “ignoring letters, refusing to engage in dialogue, and dismissing legitimate concerns.”

On the other hand, the CGFP praised Finance Minister Gilles Roth's willingness to engage in genuine social dialogue as Minister Roth has set out to meaningfully discuss the planned tax individualisation with all concerned parties. However, according to the CGFP, the 20-year transitional arrangement planned by the government for taxpayers in tax class 2 is not sufficient.

Regarding the planned pension reform, the CGFP expressed deep regret that political leaders had unilaterally broken off negotiations after the third round of social dialogue.

The union noted that the state ignored concrete proposals submitted by the country’s three largest trade unions, including the CGFP, aimed at generating new sources of revenue.