Ahead of the upcoming tripartite talks, a spontaneous demonstration by trade unions took place outside the Ministry of Labour on Tuesday morning.

Around 100 members of the Independent Luxembourg Trade Union Confederation (OGBL) and the Luxembourg Confederation of Christian Trade Unions (LCGB) assembled at the Rousegäertchen in Luxembourg City, chanting and whistling. The protest marks the start of union actions announced on 1 May.

One of the main demands of the unions remains a structural increase in the minimum wage. The protest had only been decided on Monday.

OGBL president Nora Back said She said she was positively surprised by how many people had turned out early in the morning at short notice, adding that the aim was to send a clear message not only to Labour Minister Marc Spautz, but to the entire government.

Back also indicated that further actions are already planned, with more initiatives to come and 12 May highlighted as a key date.

LCGB president Patrick Dury described the protest as the first in a broader series of actions. He stressed that unions believe the time for negotiations alone is coming to an end and that an action plan is now needed, while preparations for the upcoming tripartite are ongoing.

According to Dury, the situation has gone too far, with concerns extending beyond the minimum wage to broader social issues. He added that they are prepared to take further action if necessary.

Dury emphasised the importance of cooperation between the LCGB and OGBL, noting that joint action strengthens their position. Dury said it would be preferable to reach a point where concrete results are achieved, making actions like this unnecessary.