On Tuesday morning, the Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party (LSAP) presented its proposals for a fair and humane world of work.
LSAP Party President and MP Georges Engel stressed that it should be possible to support oneself on a full-time job in Luxembourg. To that end, he argued, the minimum wage must be "substantially increased" – first by €100, followed by another €100 in two stages. Engel acknowledged that the question of how the second increase would be borne by businesses "will need to be examined," adding that several options exist. The LSAP's proposed increase of €200 falls short of the €300 hike demanded by trade unions.
The party further believes that the minimum wage should be adjusted annually in line with general wage trends, rather than every two years as is currently the case. For pensions, such annual adjustments are already standard.
According to the LSAP, work should not be viewed solely through an economic lens. Party officials noted that work also contributes to social cohesion and is synonymous with quality of life and health. The LSAP therefore continues to advocate for a sixth week of holiday for the private sector – a benefit that already exists in the civil service. The opposition party stressed that the gap between the private and public sectors must not continue to widen. The LSAP also maintains its demand for a reduction in working hours and the introduction of a 38-hour week.
Work, the LSAP argues, "has a future" – but only if it is properly regulated. Party officials contended that clear limits are necessary to prevent digitalisation from taking over, and that fresh, innovative thinking is essential. Pointing out that "computers pay neither taxes nor pensions," the LSAP believes a new tax policy is needed, including a tax on robotic labour, higher taxation on capital, and increased taxes on profits.
