While no agreement could be reached after more than 15 months of negotiations for the renewal of the Encevo Group collective work agreement, the staff delegation and the two LCGB and OGBL unions invited the staff to a decisive meeting at the Gaston Stein Multipurpose Centre in Junglinster on 7 July 2017.
On this occasion, 685 employees were clearly opposed to the employers' proposal, which claims a new system of remuneration based on functions rather than on qualifications, revised wage grids for new hires and a biennial system instead of annuity.
The trade unions have also demanded a fair return on the excellent results expected by Encevo thanks to the efforts and commitment of the staff. The trade unions have stated that, in 2015, the group achieved net profit growth of €26.5 million in 2014 to €80.6 million: "a record since the creation of the group". In 2016, the Encevo Group posted a new record and its best result with a net profit of €83.2 million and an EBITDA increase of 12.9% (€262.3 million).
Since the creation of Encevo in 2009, the trade unions argue that employees have experienced a single linear increase of 0.6%. Despite the union demand for recognition of the excellent work done by the staff, the unions have claimed that management continues to maintain its position and categorically refuses any wage increase.
Following the plenary vote and what they describe as a non-constructive approach by management, the unions will appeal to the National Conciliation Board (ONC) in the coming days.
