Restructuring or modernisation are sometimes necessary, but the trade unions call for investment and to limit redundancies, de Matteis said, in reference to the news ArcelorMittal is considering relocating 1,150 jobs from Luxembourg to Poland or India.
This news, released last week, is a cause for concern for many, the OGBL central secretary continued, but the number above is not set in stone, but rather functions as a threshold for the steelwork’s study. The relocation would affect roles in finance or human resources, positions which are not present at production sites. The union recognises that ArcelorMittal’s approach is prioritising cost savings.
In de Matteis’ eyes, the “Luxembourgish model” must now be implemented. This involves examining the reasons behind the relocations and exploring solutions. In the Grand Duchy there are methods of avoiding or reducing relocations, he added, such as employment maintenance plans, or early retirement. These form part of the tripartite agreement.
Luc Frieden and Aditya Mittal
Since October 2025, negotiations have been ongoing for a new agreement, but discussions are stalled currently. Reiterating points from the trade unions’ open letter to the Prime Minister, de Matteis said it was regretful that there were inconsistencies between what the ArcelorMittal management and government representatives discussed at a meeting on 4 February.
Prime Minister Luc Frieden confirmed the information from the trade unions in discussion with Radio 100,7, stating that he had informed the ArcelorMittal CEO Aditya Mittal that his government was against relocation, when speaking with the latter before the World Economic Forum in Davos. The OGBL says it is important that the government made its position clear, but also called for investment.
To attain clarity, the OGBL and LCGB trade unions have called for a steel tripartite, joined by the LSAP. However, the Ministry of State responded vaguely, saying “the relevant ministers will brief the government council on the situation at ArcelorMittal.” Frieden himself was unavailable for comment on Friday.
