Thousands Join Trade Union Protest in Luxembourg Against Government Reforms

On Saturday 28 June 2025, thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Luxembourg City to participate in the Manifestation Nationale, organised by Luxembourg’s main trade unions, OGBL, LCGB and ALEBA.

The protest was held in opposition to the government’s policies, in particular reforms aimed at modernising and advancing the country’s societal and socio-economic framework.

The march commenced at Luxembourg’s central railway station (Gare Centrale) at 11:00 and proceeded through the city, passing along Avenue de la Liberté and over the Pont Adolphe. The demonstration culminated at Place Guillaume II, where participants gathered for speeches and live music.

OGBL President Nora Back and LCGB President Patrick Dury addressed the crowd, expressing their concerns regarding the government’s proposed reforms. They criticised what they described as a lack of meaningful social dialogue and raised objections to a range of planned measures, including reforms to the pension system, the extension of Sunday working hours, the liberalisation of shop opening times and the end of the energy price cap.

“Our strength lies in unity - today, we are not just protesting, we are standing up for a fair and equal society,” declared Nora Back during her speech. She went on to highlight the unions’ broader concerns about the government’s direction, which she described as a threat to workers’ rights, social dialogue and Luxembourg’s welfare model. She further raised concerns about what she described as a lack of respect for democratic principles and accused the government of favouring corporate interests over social justice.

“Our model of social protection cannot be sacrificed on the altar of austerity,” stated Patrick Dury in his address. He criticised the government for pursuing what he described as a neoliberal path under the guise of “modernisation”, warning that this approach would weaken collective agreements, undermine working conditions and erode key social protections. He particularly condemned planned changes to pensions and labour laws, arguing they would force people to work longer for less security.

Dury also accused the government of failing to uphold meaningful social dialogue, instead acting unilaterally and prioritising business interests over workers' rights and wellbeing.

According to the Grand Ducal Police, the demonstration drew at least 15,000 participants. Chronicle.lu observed the protest first-hand and noted a peaceful yet resolute atmosphere, marked by a strong sense of unity and moments of emotion as demonstrators expressed solidarity with one another.

LK/IK