Following months of uncertainty over delayed salaries, Jacques Brocquart ASBL’s boarding schools will be taken over by Arcus on 1 January 2026. A move union representatives say should bring stability and improved management.

In the spring, the non-profit Jacques Brocquart ASBL came under criticism following deays in salary payments. The Luxembourg Confederation of Christian Trade Unions (LCGB) now hopes that the organisation’s takeover, which will happened on 1 January 2026, will bring greater stability and improved management. According to LCGB representative Bento Pires, the transfer of the company is already underway, and staff have been informed:

"For employees, nothing changes, except the logo and the payslip, which will now bear the name Arcus. Everyone remains under the SAS collective agreement, and all rights are preserved."

This is confirmed by Georges Rotink, deputy director of the new operator Arcus:

"The current management of Jacques Brocquart will also be integrated through a 'discontinuation of business activities' (cession d’activités). All employment contracts, including those of management, will be transferred to Arcus. No one needs to sign a new contract and all existing conditions remain in place."

Until now, Jacques Brocquart ASBL has operated seven boarding schools across Luxembourg under a state convention, with an eighth scheduled to open in Pétange.

At the end of October, the board of directors of the eight institutions unanimously selected Arcus as the new operator. The meeting minutes show that another proposal had been received, but Arcus was the only candidate with the necessary resources to ensure a smooth transition by 1 January.

Rotink said the merger was a logical step:

"This integration makes sense, especially since the activities of these boarding schools align with the forthcoming Youth Protection Law. They complement our existing residential youth care services and expand our overall offer."

Founded in 2008, Arcus operates 14 crèches, 25 Maison Relais facilities, and one youth center. The organisation employs around 1,500 people and has a budget of €152 million for 2024.

The current management and board of Jacques Brocquart’s boarding schools were not available for comment.