The role of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in the transition of Caritas to Hëllef um Terrain (HUT) following a €60 million embezzlement scandal was questioned during a meeting of the Chamber’s special commission on Monday. MPs raised concerns over PwC’s involvement beyond its accounting duties, alleging the firm influenced staffing decisions.
MP Marc Baum of The Left (Déi Lénk) accused PwC of deceit, claiming the firm played a role in hiring decisions at HUT. However, commission president Charel Weiler of the Christian Social People’s Party (CSV) stopped short of direct criticism but acknowledged a communication gap in the transition process.
The Greens’ MP Djuna Bernard (Déi Gréng) revealed email exchanges suggesting Caritas staff were pressured into signing new contracts with HUT under a “sink or swim” approach – though she clarified this was not done by PwC.
Meanwhile, MP Carole Hartmann of the democratic Party (DP) stated that most Caritas employment conditions were maintained in HUT but noted missing flexible work arrangements and overall ambiguities.
A court is currently assessing whether HUT is a new company or a legal continuation of Caritas.
Despite being invited, HUT employees did not attend the meeting, reportedly fearing retaliation due to confidentiality agreements with the new entity. MP Taina Bofferding of the Luxembourg Socialist Workers’ Party (LSAP) expressed concern over their absence, stressing that the commission exists to amplify their voices.
The Independent Trade Union Confederation of Luxembourg (OGBL) now faces a legal dilemma, opposing the election of a social delegation at HUT due to uncertainty over its legal status. Baum argued that organising these elections suggests a business transfer, which requires staff to have been employed for at least a year – a criterion HUT does not meet.
It remains uncertain who approved the elections, as MP Weiler was unable to confirm whether Labour Minister Georges Mischo had authorised them. Despite this, the Luxembourg Association of Bank and Insurance Employees (Aleba) has already put forward a candidate list.
