© François Aulner / RTL
Amid strained relations and a union boycott, the government has resumed separate talks with social partners in an effort to find common ground on the divisive issue of working time organisation.
The government is holding a second round of separate meetings with social partners on Wednesday to discuss potential reforms to working time organisation.
Since 2pm, Minister of Labour Georges Mischo and Minister of the Economy Lex Delles have been meeting with representatives from the Luxembourg Employers' Association (UEL). A separate session with trade unions is scheduled for 4pm.
These talks follow an initial round held three weeks ago, where the main topics were reference periods and Work Organisation Plans. These plans allow for compensatory time off and more flexible scheduling than is typically permitted under standard labour law.
Upon his arrival, UEL President Michel Reckinger confirmed to our colleagues from RTL.lu that provisions regulating work breaks would also be on the agenda.
No agreement or compromise in sight
The issue of breaks has been a point of contention since summer meetings. The union front between the Independent Luxembourg Trade Union Confederation (OGBL) and the Luxembourg Confederation of Christian Trade Unions (LCGB) strongly criticised employer representatives for proposing to shorten or question existing break periods. Employers argue that adjustments are necessary to facilitate more flexible work organisation, which they claim also benefits employees.
Currently, the Labour Code mandates one unpaid break, but employers note that many modern workplaces already offer more. Unions, however, warn that changing the rules could lead to abuses at the expense of workers.
Discussions between social partners have been strained for over a year. The unions are currently boycotting the Standing Committee on Labour and Employment – the usual forum for such tripartite talks – and have even stated in a letter that Minister Mischo is the wrong person for his role.
This deadlock mirrors recent outcomes on other issues like pensions and Sunday work. After previous social partner meetings failed to yield consensus, the government intervened and decided on a series of measures itself. It notably backtracked on several points related to pensions and collective agreements after a large demonstration in June, a move that disappointed employers. The unions, for their part, continue to express deep mistrust.
