L-R: Gilles Feith, Luxair CEO; François Bausch, Deputy PM, Minister for Mobility & Public Works; Georges Engel, Minister of of Labour, Employment & the Social & Solidarity Economy; Patrick Dury, LCGB President; Michelle Cloos, OGBL executive board member; Credit: MMTP

On Monday 26 September 2022, employers and trade union representatives met with members of the Luxembourg Government for an aviation tripartite meeting.

Union representatives had requested the meeting with the aim of establishing a transparent inventory of Luxair, Luxembourg's flag carrier airline. Following a constructive exchange, according to Luxembourg's Ministry of Mobility and Public Works, the stakeholders took the opportunity to express their proposals in the face of the multiple crises facing Luxair.

By mutual agreement, those present firstly confirmed the need for social dialogue within the airline company and accepted the proposal of the board of directors of Luxair to invite the honorary state prosecutor, Robert Biever, to play the role of mediator in debates between management and unions to ease tensions.

Following the resumption of activity and the improvement of the health crisis, Luxair has decided to put an end to the measures of the job retention plan adopted in 2020, in particular the end of the salary freeze and partial unemployment (short-time working) from 1 January 2023.

Similarly, the immediate end of cyclical partial unemployment was announced during the tripartite. However, 69 people are on temporary labour loan and a solution is set to be found to integrate the employees either with the State or within the airline. Early retirement is maintained until 31 December 2023.

The current objective of the various stakeholders, according to the Mobility Ministry, is to collaborate on a number of solutions in order to guarantee the future and the sustainability of businesses and jobs in the sector. Likewise, those present discussed the importance of modernising Luxair, establishing a new business plan and investing in a business model to face competition in the aviation sector.

According to the Mobility Ministry, the Luxembourg Government is open to relaunching a new aviation tripartite meeting if necessary.