The new unit front against the government is formed at the OGBL Congress
The OGBL is united with the LCGB. This was also necessary, Nora Back said on Friday morning at the OGBL Congress in the Luxexpo, in which around 500 members took part. It is about the future of the unions, which is endangered by the government, says boss Nora Back, who The only candidate for re-election of the OGBL leadership and was re -elected with 97.88 percent.
That is why both unions will bring a working front for democracy and social justice on the streets on June 28. « We need a strong OGBL, » emphasized former EU commissioner Nicolas Schmit (LSAP). He will also take part in the demonstration, because it is a very important day for social policy in Luxembourg.
« We are aware of our responsibility. As OGBL, we are a modern and well -established union, » said Nora Back. Photo: Luc Deflorenne
For her part, Taina Bofferding emphasized that the LSAP and the OGBL pursue the same goal. Both want to defend a solidarity and just society. « If we work hand in hand, side by side, we can survive these difficult times. We count on your support, » said the LSAP MP. She regretted that the CSV DP government had caused a lot of damage in the area of social dialogue. « You don’t play with that, » said Taina Bofferding.
Dealing with the collective agreements ensures criticism
The two socialists criticized the Dealing of the government with the planned collective agreement reform. « The European directive is about fair negotiations under good conditions and not about excluding the unions, » said Nicolas Schmit. He was shocked that Georges Mischo « fabul » about this reform. « Or is he Minister of Labor because he doesn’t know better? » Nicolas Schmit asked himself and received great applause from the audience.
CSV MP Marc Spautz was also a guest at the OGBL Congress-the only CSV politician; Representatives of the government were not invited. « I know that I go on black ice here, but I used to play hockey, » joked Spautz on Friday morning.
In terms of collective contracts, he did not give himself hopeless and recalled that a social round with Prime Minister Luc Frieden (CSV) was planned. Spautz generally spoke out for « more collective contracts in the companies, because only through a contract policy can the employees be protected ».
OGBL and LCGB increase pressure on Georges Mischo
The CSV parliamentary group leader emphasized how important it was for him to take part in this meeting in the Luxexpo. « I am still a trade unionist in my heart and I know where I come from and I stand at certain principles, » said the former LCGB member.
He was not surprised that the OGBL and the LCGB want to demonstrate unity and showed understanding for the discussions of the unions about the collective agreement and the co -determination law. « If you approach these two laws without talking to the unions about it, it is normal for you to come together (…), because it is about survival, but also about survival of the social dialogue, » says Marc Spautz. The Luxembourg economy owes its success to the social model, the CSV politician recalled.
CSV MP Marc Spautz was also a guest at the OGBL Congress-the only CSV politician, representative of the government were not invited. Photo: Luc Deflorenne
This Friday he did not want to comment on the controversy around the Sunday opening times. He reminded that he At the CSV congress clearly against such a measure. Taina Bofferding regretted that such a reform would go « in favor of the employer and at the expense of the underpaid sellers ».
The pension reform should be led with the unions
The current retirement debate was also a topic at the OGBL Congress. Taina Bofferding made it clear that it is against privatization of the pension system. The MP was surprised that CSV and DP have made no concrete proposals for pension reform. « What does the government want? » Asked Taina Bofferding. « Every reform must be discussed with the social partners in a tripartite. »
500 members took part in the OGBL Congress. Photo: Luc Deflorenne
As at the CSV Congress last Saturday, Marc Spautz did not want to comment on the pension reform. He repeated that he first wanted to wait for the end of the consultations. « I cannot imagine that the government’s proposals will not be discussed with the social partners. This is not in the interest of the social dialogue, » emphasized the CSV parliamentary group leader.
Experts discuss the adaptability of the pension system
« Marc, now I understand why you didn’t become a Minister of Labor and why you would have been the best CSV Minister of Labor, which we will never have, » Nicolas Schmit reacted to Marc Spautz ‘speech and received applause from those present.
Election results and statute reform
Two guests of honor were in the Luxexo: Selena Carbonerodes, General Secretary of the Belgian Union FGTB, and Sophie Binet, General Secretary of the French Confédération Générale du Travail (CGT). Sophie Binet told the « Luxemburger Word » that the CGT would support the OGBL in dealing with the government.
« It is always a great pleasure to see Nora again. We have a lot in common, especially a feminist syndicalism that we represent at the head of our two organizations, » Sophie Binet told the « word ».
Support from abroad: Selena Carbonerodes, Secretary General of the Belgian Union FGTB, Sophie Binet, General Secretary of the French Trade Union Confédération Générale du Travail (CGT) and Nora Back, President of the OGBL. Photo: Thomas Berthol
The results of the board elections will be announced on Friday evening. The OGBL will present its political orientation on Saturday morning. A statute reform is planned for July 3, 2026, the last took place in 2006, announced Nora Back. « We are aware of our responsibility. As OGBL, we are a modern and well -established union. »
