Representatives of the trade union said on Monday morning that their priority is to avert a social crisis in the aviation sector. In other words, the main goal should be to maintain employment in the industry. The union welcomed the willingness of Minister for Mobility François Bausch to open up the social dialogue and invite OGBL to the tripartite meeting. As a reminder, the "tripartite" social model is based on an institutionalised trialogue between the government, employers, and trade unions. Its goal is to find agreements in important economic and social issues.
According to OGBL's Michelle Cloos, who serves as the general secretary for the sector, Luxembourg's aviation industry has not yet announced layoffs. She explained that flag carrier Luxair is slowly resurrecting its activities from their pandemic-induced slumber. At the same time, she advised caution as many uncertainties prevail, saying the summer season was unpredictable and changes could take place from one day to the next, as destinations changed frequently depending on the spread of the virus. Cloos stressed that officials and representatives of the sector must continue to coordinate efforts and to display solidarity.
She welcomed both the government's decision to serve as a reference shareholder in the sector and Bausch's willingness to bring to life a tripartite meeting. Cloos highlighted that OBGL is prepared to take action if no agreements can be found during this highly anticipated meeting. According to the general secretary, the discussions will for instance pivot around investments.
OGBL did not present a list of demands ahead of the meeting but said the union would tackle the discussions with a set of clear visions for the sector.
