'No more playing along': Luxembourg's trade unions go into battle mode
Clem Onojeghuo, Unsplash
A new era of trade union struggle is beginning in Luxembourg, with tougher rhetoric and open opposition to the government of Luc Frieden. This was announced by the OGBL and LCGB unions, accusing the current government of deliberately destroying one of the key pillars of the country's social stability - tripartism, i.e. the system of dialogue between the state, employers and workers.
For decades, this model, recognised as a role model by international organisations, has helped Luxembourg maintain social peace and avoid violent conflict. Any important reforms - from indexation of the minimum wage to changes in the pension system - went through the Committee for Coordination within Tripartism (CPTE).
Today, according to the trade unions, this system is being deliberately undermined. They point to a number of steps that they say cannot be accidental:
- Labour Minister Georges Mischo discredits unions within the CPTE and refuses to negotiate separately with them on key topics.
- Prime Minister Frieden walks out of roundtables without agreements, and all members of the government make harsh remarks about the unions in the media.
- For over a year now, attempts to bypass the unions and sign collective agreements directly with personal delegations have been going on.
The government, the unions believe, is promoting a neoliberal strategy of "business first", ignoring the interests of workers. They are portrayed as outdated structures that do not reflect the "new" economy and are losing influence.
The OGBL and LCGB are particularly harsh about Frieden's political orientation - he publicly declares "friendship" with Emmanuel Macron and is inspired by the course of German politician Friedrich Merz, known for his tough stance on trade unions.
The unions say it's time to stop "playing by the rules" and move to action.
They call for unity among all workers, pensioners, young families: "The government will only hear us if we speak out loudly. In the streets. Together.".
Emphasis is placed on:
- increased pressure within the enterprises;
- mobilising all age and social groups;
- refusal to participate in events where trade unions are merely "scenery";
- for mass protests.
In the face of rising inequality and social tensions, trade unions insist: without a genuine dialogue that takes into account the interests of workers, Luxembourg risks losing its unique model of social stability.
