Whether AI will ultimately prove to be a positive or negative force in the workplace is yet to be seen. Trade unions, however, are already seeking clear answers to key questions: Will AI lead to job losses? How will professions evolve? Will employees face new expectations and challenges? And will those who struggle to keep pace receive adequate training and support?
These concerns were raised by the unions OGBL and LCGB during an exchange with government representatives. Prime Minister Luc Frieden had invited the unions for talks following recent open letters they had published, with AI emerging as a central topic of discussion.
The unions called for the creation of an AI roundtable bringing together the government, employers and trade unions. In their view, such a platform is necessary given the scale of the challenges ahead, the shared interests at stake and the need to prepare proactively, argued Nora Back, president of OGBL.
“This could become an even bigger issue for Luxembourg than the steel crisis, simply in terms of its impact on jobs”, she warned. “It is now up to the social partners and the government to take responsibility and take care of the issue as best as possible.”
Shaping the future of the labour market is also a key priority for Patrick Dury, president of LCGB. He argued that, as in past restructuring phases, solutions must reassure people by enabling access to training and, in the worst-case scenario, provide support mechanisms to prevent anyone from getting isolated from the job market.
The united trade union front quickly convinced the government of the need for such a roundtable. Following the meeting, Prime Minister Luc Frieden announced his intention to convene discussions with employers and unions as soon as possible.
Frieden described AI as a transformation that should be approached positively, while acknowledging the concerns of those affected. He emphasised that training would be a central pillar of the response. “People have always had to adapt to new technologies”, he said, drawing a parallel with the industrial revolution, when workers had to retrain as machinery changed production processes. Beyond technical skills, he added, society must also learn how to deal with AI more broadly.
Although AI dominated the discussions, other labour-related issues were also addressed. These included the need for a legal framework for platform work, with unions advocating for standard employment contracts for platform workers. Health policy was likewise on the agenda. Union representatives welcomed the government’s assurance that it has no plans to weaken Luxembourg’s strong public healthcare system.
