The Luxembourg Confederation of Christian Trade Unions (LCGB) invited its members to Remich on Wednesday, where president Patrick Dury delivered a speech sharply criticising the government. Prime Minister Luc Frieden, who received stern words from Dury last year and reportedly did not take it well, was notably absent from the event in Remich.
The government was instead represented by Deputy Prime Minister Xavier Bettel, Minister of Finance Gilles Roth, and Minister of Labour Marc Spautz. Frieden only arrived at the LCGB tent shortly before midday and was seen speaking with Dury by RTL reporters. Minister for the Economy Lex Delles was also present.
At the outset of his speech, Dury emphasised cooperation with the country’s other major union, the Independent Luxembourg Trade Union Confederation (OGBL), sending greetings to members gathered at Neumünster Abbey. The OGBL president, Nora Back, also contributed to the LCGB event with a video message.
Turning to current challenges, Dury warned that Luxembourg, like the rest of Europe, is "caught in the storm" of the ongoing conflict in Iran, and the local consequences are already being felt. "We have been living in uncertainty since the health crisis," he said, adding that instead of fostering social cohesion, the government is "doing quite the opposite."
According to Dury, the coalition is both stalling social dialogue and blocking urgently needed adjustments to the minimum wage.
Discussing the minimum wage debate, Dury argued: "It's a kick in the teeth for those working crucial jobs for low pay, making our country function and keeping the economy turning." He insisted that the social minimum wage should be increased by around 11 percent – roughly €300 – to comply with European Union directives. Instead, Dury accused the government of hiding behind "fanciful calculations" to avoid action.
Dury went further, directly addressing Prime Minister Frieden: "I would encourage the current Prime Minister to take a remedial class on social policy with former Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker."
The trade union president reminded the audience of a former Luxembourg prime minister – Jean-Claude Juncker – who increased the minimum wage by 10 percent without waiting for reports from the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (STATEC) or EU directives.
"He did it out of conviction, believing that everyone in this country deserves a share of its wealth", Dury said. He urged Frieden to "skip the Harvard speeches about social Europe” and instead "visit Capellen for a lesson in building a fairer and more united society. A remedial class in social policy is not beneath him".
Dury also denounced what he sees as a growing alliance between government and employers "against the unions and, in particular, against those we represent". He warned of a widening gap between public and private sector workers, stating: "The risks of unemployment and illness rest entirely on the shoulders of private sector employees."
He compared the situation to Qatar, where "a minority live comfortably while the vast majority must struggle with their problems". Dury stressed that this is not about taking anything away from civil servants, but there should be no "politics of envy" in the Grand Duchy.
Looking ahead to upcoming negotiations, Dury reminded attendees that government, unions, and employers are set to meet on 12 May for a tripartite discussion, as recently announced by Prime Minister Frieden. Bilateral talks are scheduled for 6 May.
Dury emphasised that the union alliance stands united and will not hesitate to call a general strike if the coalition continues on a path that undermines social security or the healthcare sector.
At the same time, members of the OGBL held their annual gathering at Neumünster Abbey, where president Nora Back addressed the assembly. More details can be found here:
