CNS financial crisis: Luxembourg's trade unions demand reforms
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Luxembourg's social insurance system, especially sickness and maternity insurance (AMM), has been jeopardised by a growing structural deficit. The system's expenditures are growing at 8 per cent per year, while revenues are increasing by only 5 per cent. This imbalance requires immediate action. At the November Quadripartite meeting, unions, including OGBL, LCGB and other representatives, urged concrete action from the Minister of Health.
Causes of the financial crisis
Budget deficit
Investment burdens
Reform delay
The unions are demanding that the state pick up costs outside the core functions of the CNS and increase funding for the system. Among the proposals:
- Increasing the maternity subsidy to the level of real costs.
- Transferring the costs of hospital investments to the state budget.
- Reform of health care reimbursement procedures to speed up the receipt of health care services.
At a meeting on 6 November 2024, the Minister of Health acknowledged the problem and agreed to draft legislation that would exempt CNS from unfair costs. The need for a working group to analyse the sustainability of the system was also discussed. The Minister promised a regular dialogue with the unions and announced her readiness for further negotiations on 26 November.
While unions welcomed the government's first steps, their representatives expressed concerns about the slow pace of reforms. The OGBL emphasised the importance of urgent decisions to prevent further deterioration of the CNS's financial situation. The main objective is to preserve the rights of the insured and ensure the sustainability of the health system for the 800,000 people who depend on its services.
The question remains: will the government be able to fulfil its promises before the crisis turns into a systemic collapse?
