ALEBA, the largest trade union in the Luxembourg financial sector, has issued a statement in which it expressed “deep concern” about ING Luxembourg’s decision to cut 124 jobs and to close two branches, in Esch-sur-Alzette and Ettelbruck.
The union said that despite the information already being leaked to the press, ING’s announcement came as a shock to employees, especially since last year management had affirmed that no social plan would be considered before 2026.
ALEBA stated that it is determined to defend the interests of the employees affected by this move and will be present at every step of the discussions, with the following objectives:
1. Ensure sincere and transparent social dialogue: communication must be clear regarding the reasons for this decision and the alternatives considered. We will notably demand that ING management provide a clear plan detailing the criteria for dismissals, the positions affected, as well as the alternative measures examined.
2. Protect jobs to the maximum extent possible: we will demand that all options for internal mobility, retraining, and training be explored before any job cuts and that the figure of 124 positions announced by management remain an absolute ceiling not to be exceeded.
3. Guarantee fair support measures: if dismissals prove unavoidable, they must be carried out in strict compliance with employees’ rights and with adequate compensation.
ALEBA said it “particularly regrets that activities that are profitable, yet deemed insufficiently lucrative, are being sacrificed at the expense of employees: a striking illustration of the excesses of financial capitalism. Nevertheless, we reaffirm our willingness to work constructively with management to find solutions that respect the dignity and future”.
