The president of the Chamber of Skilled Trades and Crafts, Tom Oberweis, has issued a renewed call for economic reforms, citing stagnation, a critical housing shortage, and outdated labour laws as urgent threats to Luxembourg's prosperity.
Tom Oberweis, entrepreneur and president of the Chamber of Skilled Trades and Crafts, used a radio appearance on RTL Radio Tuesday morning to reiterate a series of long-standing business demands, arguing they are now more critical than ever amid economic stagnation.
In its opinion on the draft 2026 budget, the Chamber expressed concern that the government is "missing a turning point". Oberweis, a trained baker and pastry chef, framed the issue plainly: a stagnating economy may soon lack the revenue to finance the welfare state and necessary investments.
He acknowledged the recent one-point reduction in corporation tax as a positive step but insisted it is insufficient. "The framework is lacking", Oberweis stated, before repeating his core arguments: the economy must diversify beyond the financial centre, businesses need more available land, and administrative procedures must be simplified.
He did, however, give a positive assessment of Economy Minister Lex Delles' performance.
'I am here representing the people who build, who work'
Oberweis identified housing as the central problem, creating a ripple effect throughout the economy. High housing prices, he argued, are putting upward pressure on wages and straining businesses. Additionally, the affordability crisis is directly damaging Luxembourg's attractiveness, with companies finding it harder to recruit talent. Employment in the construction sector has already fallen by 8%.
"They simply don't want to come to Luxembourg anymore because housing is too expensive. Thus, the attractiveness of our economy is being lost", Oberweis said.
His proposed solutions include massive state investment, increased support for public-private partnerships, and a necessary reduction in prices. When challenged that lower prices would displease those seeking capital gains, Oberweis was unequivocal: "I am here representing the people who build, who work, and for them, the crisis is currently severe."
Breaks in labour law
Shifting to recent social discussions, Oberweis reflected on what he views as "missed opportunities" following the major trade union demonstration and the government's subsequent backtracking on pensions and collective agreements.
Now, he expresses hope for compromises in the ongoing bipartite meetings on working time organisation. On this issue, he aligns with Luxembourg Employers' Association (UEL) President Michel Reckinger, asserting that current labour law is no longer fit for purpose.
A key point of contention is break regulation. Employers argue that the rule allowing only one unpaid break is outdated, as employees now tend to take more frequent pauses. This position was challenged by Nora Back, president of the Independent Luxembourg Trade Union Confederation (OGBL), who questioned whether travel time for cleaners and nurses should also be unpaid by this logic.
In response, Oberweis dismissed the comparison, stating, "I think that's a different discussion". He framed the employers' argument as a matter of providing the flexibility that employees themselves desire.
'Everyone should say what they think'
Addressing the period before the June demonstration, Oberweis, who is also vice-president of the UEL, was asked if UEL President Reckinger's call for people not to demonstrate was a misstep. "Everyone should say what they think", Oberweis stated, echoing his previous comment from June that "We live in a free country" when asked about craftspeople's right to participate.
He concluded by reiterating his faith in company-level social dialogue, asserting that employers who "don't take much for themselves" and also "have to make ends meet" are invested in retaining staff and ensuring their businesses run well.
