'Historic moment'OGBL and National Health Laboratory sign first collective labour agreement

This agreement comes into force retroactively on 1 January 2023 and will be in place for a period of three years, expiring on 31 December 2025. Although negotiations already began in 2019, the process was significantly delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

"The health crisis has clearly demonstrated the importance of coordination and collaboration between all actors in the healthcare system", the OGBL said in a statement. "As an essential element of the Luxembourg health system, the staff of the LNS has always shown an exemplary commitment that went far beyond mere management."

The first collective labour agreement will bring about significant benefits for the 250 LNS employees. Here are some of the major points retained in the agreement:

• Salaries increase by an average of 4.5%
• The value of the index point has been aligned with that of the civil service and the Collective Labour Agreement of the Federation of Hospitals (CCT FHL)
• Employees receive an end-of-year allowance equivalent to a 13th month
• A holiday allowance worth €512 gross per year is introduced
• A one-off bonus worth €500 gross on signing the collective labour agreement is introduced
• Duty allowances are increased
• Meal vouchers are introduced
• Annual leave days are increased from 28 to 32
• Employees above the age of 50 receive two additional holidays
• Employees above the age of 55 receive another two holidays

The OGBL press release concludes by noting that both the union and the LNS consider the agreement a "major step forward" and by thanking all LNS employees for their "tireless commitment over the past years".