Social Partners Actively Participating in Vaccination Campaign

On Tuesday 9 February 2021, Luxembourg's Prime Minister Xavier Bettel and Minister of Health Paulette Lenert participated in a video conference meeting with the social partners to take stock of the health situation linked to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the national vaccination strategy.

The following trade unions participated in this meeting: the OGBL, represented by Nora Back; the LCGB, represented by Patrick Dury and Christophe Knebeler; the CGFP, represented by Romain Wolff and Steve Heiliger; the UEL, represented by Michel Reckinger and Jean-Paul Olinger.

On the topic of vaccinations, the Prime Minister and the Health Minister first gave an update on the progress of the national campaign and presented forecast estimates for the doses to be received in the short and medium term. They also recalled that in the current situation, with a reduced number of vaccines available, Luxembourg will continue to follow the strategy of reserving a second dose for patients who have already received their first dose of the vaccine. This may change as more vaccines become available.

The social partners reiterated their willingness to actively participate in the vaccination campaign by promoting it in particular among their members. They also presented avenues facilitating the implementation of vaccination within companies. The Minister of Health underlined how important it will be to have all the factual information available to raise awareness among the different audiences.

The Prime Minister recalled that vaccination is done on a voluntary basis and should therefore be encouraged through awareness and information. Employers will not be able to force their employees to get vaccinated. The ministers appreciated the idea that employee representatives in companies be encouraged to become closely involved in discussions on vaccinations.

The mental health of employees was also discussed. The crisis has worsened mental health problems. The increasingly noticeable mix between professional and private life following the development of teleworking is one of the factors perceived as negative.

Prime Minister Xavier Bettel commented: “Regular exchange with the social partners is essential. I welcome the willingness of all the partners, unions and employers, to support the government in its vaccination strategy and in particular by raising the awareness of employees within companies, whether through the managers or the representatives of the staff. Together, we will make the vaccination campaign a success".

Luxembourg's economic, financial and social situation is on the agenda of a forthcoming meeting with the social partners within the framework of the European Semester.