Luxembourg trade unions the CGFP, LCGB and OGBL have called for social dialogue with the government in a joint press release issued on Tuesday.
In their statement, the three unions stated that they were "losing patience" with the government over a perceived lack of willingness to meet with workers' representatives to discuss the national lockdown exit strategy. The three unions thus lamented a lack of social dialogue on the government's behalf, especially during the current crisis situation.
The CGFP, LCGB and OGBL accused the government of using the current state of emergency to push through measures at the expense of residents and workers. More specifically, the unions criticised the upcoming presentation of a "pandemic law", without allowing the unions sufficient time to analyse the text. They also lamented the fact that they had not been consulted in advance on this matter, maintaining that the pandemic law "affects the fundamental rights of ALL citizens" and thus trade unions should be involved in the process.
The CGFP, LCGB and OGBL have also warned the government of their refusal to accept a long-term restriction on union rights and freedoms. They stated that they will not allow the pandemic law to be used as "an excuse to topple hard-won social and democratic achievements".
Given the short notice, the three unions have requested an emergency meeting with Luxembourg's Prime Minister Xavier Bettel to discuss the matter.
The draft law on the pandemic is set to be presented in the Chamber of Deputies early next week.
