Serge Wilmes summed up the negotiations with the General Confederation of Civil Servants (CGFP) as a positive experience:
“We are always happy as a government to come to an agreement in social dialogue. The conversations were held very calmly and objectively, which shows that social dialogue does work. The result is completely reasonable.”
The minister mentioned the limit of 2.5% pay rise over two years. The union had asked for more, and compromises were made. There were evidently financial and social criteria which the state did not want to exceed.
The limits they had established were accepted by the CGFP during a factual and constructive discussion. There were no moments of conflict.
The additional costs the Luxembourg government now has to cover are manageable, the minister stated. Over the course of the next two years, the costs will amount to a net value of €108 million, a third of which should be recouped through taxes. The biggest challenge, according to Wilmes, is the finding enough people, particularly in the areas of education and the police, even if teachers are now getting fully paid overtime.
Serge Wilmes highlights that the state as employer needs to offer good conditions. Therefore, a salary increase was the right choice, despite the positive conditions that were already in place. It was a reasoned and calm dialogue, the Christian Social People’s Party (CSV) minister emphasises once again, and the salary agreement with CGFP is fair.
“It is difficult to compare the public sector to the private sector, and when it comes to money, the discussion is often emotional, but we must always ensure that the overall situation in society remains positive. Several legislative projects are linked to this salary agreement, and it should not be forgotten that, in addition to the public sector, this decision will also be applied to the municipal sector as well as to the contracted sector,” concludes Serge Wilmes.
Interview in Luxembourgish:
