Trade unions are calling for pay rises

Around 100 activists from the OGBL and LCGB gathered outside the Ministry of Labour to voice their demands ahead of key negotiations between the government, employers and trade unions. The main item on the agenda remains the call for a structural increase in the minimum wage, which the protesters believe is essential to stabilising the social situation in the country.

OGBL President Nora Back expressed her satisfaction with the high turnout, given that the decision to hold the picket had been taken the day before. She said this sent a clear message not only to the relevant minister but to the entire cabinet. Back also emphasised that the current action is merely the start of a planned campaign to put pressure on the government, naming 12 May as a key date for subsequent initiatives.

Labour Minister Marc Spautz came out to address the protesters at around 8 am. In an interview with the press, he admitted that the scale and suddenness of the demonstration had taken him by surprise. Nevertheless, Spautz engaged in dialogue with the crowd, noting that had he been given earlier notice, he would have been able to devote more time to the meeting before the start of his official working schedule.

Patrick Dury, head of the LCGB, described the situation as critical, noting that the time for purely backroom negotiations was coming to an end. He highlighted the importance of the two largest trade union federations in the country joining forces, as this strengthens their negotiating position. Dury added that the trade unions are prepared to escalate their action plan if the government fails to propose concrete solutions to a wide range of social issues. In parallel with the rally outside the ministry, a similar demonstration took place outside the ArcelorMittal building, timed to coincide with the steel giant’s annual general meeting.