Fighting moral violence in the civil service: a new campaign by Luxembourg trade unions
Andrej Lišakov, Unsplash
On 13 November 2024, the trade unions SEW/OGBL and Service public OGBL/Landesverband announced the launch of a major campaign against moral violence (mobbing) in the Luxembourg public and public service. The situation is worsening: harassment, arbitrary decisions and psychological pressure are on the rise, but the existing legal framework remains woefully inadequate.
Problem: legal vacuum
- Lack of definition: the concept of "moral violence" is not defined in the Civil Service Code.
- There are no independent structures: the specialised commission was dissolved in 2014 and the bill proposed in 2017 was withdrawn in 2024.
- Victims in isolation: victims often do not know where to turn for help and are afraid to confront the harassment openly.
Many victims feel left alone with the problem. Fear of increased pressure and the need to confront their aggressors often inhibit their will to act. Psychological and emotional exhaustion increases their vulnerability.
Trade unions have launched a campaign with a focus on:
- Awareness-raising: publication of information brochures, posters and educational events.
- Victim support: legal assistance and defence of trade union members' rights.
- Political requirements: establishment of an independent structure with a mandate to investigate and make binding recommendations.
Trade unions insist that moral violence is not a personal conflict but a systemic problem that requires legislative reform. They demand bold decisions from politicians to recognise and eradicate it.
Trade unions appeal to their members: "You are not alone. Recognise your rights, defend them. Together we can stop arbitrary behaviour and pressure". The New Year is a great time to start structural changes in both the working environment and the personal environment. Perhaps we can see the results of the unions' work in the coming months.
