FB Groupe cuts staff: a new wave of layoffs in Luxembourg
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On 29 January 2025, FB Groupe's management signed a new social plan to lay off around 20 employees. This is the second wave of layoffs in less than a year, which has caused concern among employees and trade unions.
The company, founded more than 40 years ago, produces reinforced concrete slabs for the construction sector. At the beginning of 2022, it was acquired by the Belgian group Willy Naessens, which now attributes the layoffs to the difficult economic situation.
Despite the difficult atmosphere, negotiations between management, the staff delegation and the OGBL and NGL-SNEP trade unions took place in a calm atmosphere. In the end, it was possible to agree on social guarantees for the dismissed employees:
- At least three employees will receive new contracts at the newly established construction company of the Willy Naessens Group in Luxembourg. They will retain their seniority without a probationary period and will receive a motivation bonus.
- A minimum of 15 people will be dismissed with compensation ranging from €3,500 to €12,000 - the amount depending on length of service with the company.
- All terminated employees are released from work for the period of notice of termination, but will receive 100% of their salary even if they find a new job early.
- A training bonus has been introduced to help employees learn new skills and find a job faster.
Willy Naessens management assured that the restructuring will save the 30 remaining jobs and stabilise the company's operations.
The situation in Luxembourg's construction sector remains tense, and these layoffs highlight the risks to the labour market in the face of economic instability.
