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The Independent Luxembourg Trade Union Confederation (OGBL) calls for greater state investment in staffing and protection for civil servants

Amid rising temperatures and a summer of heatwaves, the Independent Luxembourg Trade Union Confederation (OGBL) has called on the government to increase investment in public sector staff, resources, and the protection of state employees in the face of escalating climate challenges. In a statement released on Wednesday morning, the OGBL argued that the consequences of climate change – such as wildfires and heatwaves – are placing unprecedented demands on those responsible for managing crisis situations.

According to the OGBL, ensuring that vital public services can continue to operate effectively, even under more difficult conditions, requires both sufficient staffing and appropriate equipment. The union therefore urges the government to take a proactive approach by strengthening the public sector through increased investment, rather than risking its capacity by cutting corners. Stating that: "Anyone who wants a public sector that functions effectively in times of crisis, must also be willing to invest in it."

The OGBL linked its comments to recent calls for strikes among French fire brigades, with trade unions calling for more financing and up to 21,000 additional jobs. The OGBL said the situation in France should serve as a wake-up call for Luxembourg as well. "A strike is the last resort for employees", the union said in the press release.

Also today

• The CNS has issued a warning about a new wave of fraudulent phishing emails using its official logo.
• The General Federation of Municipal Workers (FGFC) is urging for concrete and lasting measures to make workplaces more resilient to rising temperatures.
• A major overhaul of the POST national sorting centre in Bettembourg is taking place due to rising parcel volumes and changing postal habits.
• New UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has unveiled plans to offer those sleeping rough a way off the streets by Christmas.
• France recalls Tavneos drug after links to 20 deaths in Japan.
• The ICC has lashed out at the US after Washington slapped sanctions on ICC President Tomoko Akane, calling it a "flagrant attack" on the court's independence. 

On air

A fantastic ticket give away today with Kurt Vile on offer and Tom gave John a Luxembourg Sproochentest, which worked well, as JB can now order a beer!

Figure of the day

Construction sector loses 4,500 jobs as state adds 12,200 positions

• Luxembourg’s construction sector experienced the sharpest decline in employment between 2022 and 2023, with job numbers falling by 9%. This amounts to a net loss of nearly 4,500 positions in construction alone. The industrial sector also contracted during this period, shedding approximately 1,300 jobs.
• Net job creation across all sectors stood at 17,300 over the past three years, bringing the total number of salaried workers in the country to around half a million by autumn last year. Notably, 71% of these newly created roles, roughly 12,200 positions, were registered in the public and conventioned sectors, while only about a third, some 5,000 jobs, were added in the private sector.

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