Luxembourg’s officials must accept a salary deduction in March

Like the employees and pensioners in the private sector, the officials – whether actively or retired – also have to pay annual compulsory levy. During employees in the private sector at the end of March 35 euros to finance the Chambre of the Salarié (CSL) can be deductedOffer the same amount to the chambre of the fonctionnaires et employers publics (CHFEP).

According to the Grand Ducal Ordinance of March 13, 2009, payment is made as a salary deduction via the employer. The CHFEP sets the contribution itself – it is currently 35 euros per year, just like in the private sector. « The CHFEP contribution system works just like that of other professional chambers, » explains Georges Trauffler, director of the organization, to « Contacto ».

Mandatory membership for all civil servants

Membership in the CHFEP is mandatory – just like in other professional chambers, including the CSL. This means that all officials and employees of the state, public institutions and municipalities are automatically a member, whether in active service or retirement.

For the CSL, the annual fee is also 35 euros. There are exceptions for trainees (four euros) and people with an income under 300 euros (ten euros). At CHFEP, on the other hand, all members pay the full amount – regardless of their salary or pension. « The CHFEP set this sum, » emphasizes Trauffler. Reiner coincidence is that the amount randomly matches the CSL: « In the past, the contributions were not always identical. The CHFEP determines the amount independently. » Most recently, it was increased in 2018.

Five chambers of professional in Luxembourg

In Luxembourg there are a total of five professional chambers that represent different interest groups. With around 630,000 members, the CSL is the largest. It includes all employees, pensioners, trainees and unemployed – with the exception of the civil servants and employees in the public service who instead belong to the CHFEP.

The CHFEP has around 60,000 members. According to the Trauffler, 64,175 people paid the contribution in 2024, which brought income of 2,246,125 euros. These funds are the main financing source of the organization: « They serve the internal work and the fulfillment of legal tasks – for example for legal advice or statements in the legislative procedure. »

In addition to CSL and CHFEP, there are three more chambers:

• Chambre d’Agriculture (Chamber of Agriculture)

• Chambre de Commerce (Chamber of Commerce)

• Chambre des Métier (Chamber of Crafts)

While CSL and CHFEP represent the employees, the other three chambers are responsible for employers.

This article first appeared at “Contacto“. Translation and editing: Jörg Tschürtz.