The Luxembourg Employers’ Association (UEL) has expressed a measured reaction to the impending change in the Labour Ministry, following the resignation of Georges Mischo and the likely appointment of Marc Spautz as his successor.
In an interview with RTL, UEL President Michel Reckinger merely acknowledged the transition. He stated that his association had sought to advance its agenda with Georges Mischo and would adopt the same approach with Marc Spautz, in line with the governing coalition’s programme.
Reckinger pointed to the coalition agreement between the CSV and DP, which he described as “very clear on several points.” A key provision, he noted, is that labour law modernisation requires agreement from the social partners. “If no agreement is reached, then it won’t be done,” Reckinger said. He added that Spautz would have limited room to advocate for trade union demands that fall outside this existing agreement.
When reminded that Spautz represents the CSV’s social wing – a faction Reckinger had previously told RTL he had “thankfully” nothing to do with – the UEL President clarified his stance. “The message was, I have nothing to do with party politics, we are representatives of businesses,” he said.
Separately, Carlo Thelen, Director of the Chamber of Commerce, called for stability and focus. “A stable government and a clear head are now needed,” Thelen told RTL.
With the economy under strain, he argued it is essential to openly discuss the challenges facing businesses, including in talks with trade unions. The goal, he said, is to modernise the labour market to strengthen companies first, enabling a fair distribution of benefits afterward.
Thelen avoided commenting on individuals, preferring to assess the collective work of the government and social partners. However, he stressed the urgency of progress, warning that time is “playing against us.”
