The Independent Luxembourg Trade Union Confederation (OGBL) continues fighting against French retailer Auchan. After promising “actions” during the month of December, the union announced on Wednesday that it would hold a protest in front of the Auchan shopping centre in Kirchberg on Thursday.
The demonstration started in front of the entrance of the mall on Avenue John F. Kennedy at 5.30pm. The trade unionists are protesting against Auchan’s decision to make the car park billable to people working in the building.
Management of the shopping centre claims to have asked the brands of affected stores to cover “the operating costs linked to their activity”. It further emphasises that if some retailers have chosen to pass these costs on to their employees, “it is not our responsibility”.
Initially, Auchan intended to charge €176 per month per employee, but the rate was lowered during recent negotiations with the OGBL. "€100 the first year, €125 the second year, and €150 from the third year onward”, announced trade unionist David Angel to affected retailers in November.
Reactions were unanimous, as fifty or so demonstrators marched through the mall chanting “free parking”. However, according to our information, management of Auchan did not back down on the issue. This prompted the OGBL to organise another protest this afternoon.
When asked about Thursday’s demonstration, Angel did not want to go into detail. What is certain is that the OGBL has no intention of giving up.
