The LCGB trade union, the Ministry of Labour, Employment and the Social and Solidarity Economy and the Inspectorate of Labour and Mines met last Thursday to discuss current issues, particularly those related to the sectors of construction and craftsmanship, including the reform of the law regulating the posting of workers in other EU Member States and health and safety in the workplace.

Within the context of the reform of the national law regulating the status of posted employees, the Minister of Labour, Employment and the Social and Solidarity Economy, Nicolas Schmit, stressed the need for the Inspectorate of Labour and Mines to be strengthened to ensure compliance with current rules in working schedules, wages and security.

In addition, it was commented that European directives concerning the secondment of employees should also be adapted to deal with problems linked to the construction and craftsmanship sectors. Minister Schmit highlighted the importance of trade union engagement in this context, whilst the LCGB pointed to its role in defending daily the rights of more than 42,000 posted employees currently working in these sectors in Luxembourg,

The Director of the Inspectorate of Labour and Mines, Marco Boly, subsequently addressed the topic of health and safety at work, with the particular issue of education and inadequate employee training in the field of safety. The signing of the National Vision Zero Charter, also signed by the LCGB, will advance these issues and promote a high level of health and safety.

National LCGB President, Patrick Dury, emphasised the need for continuing education and especially that a practial component in training employees in health and safety, which is already offered by the LCGB in collaboration with the Institut de Formation Sectoriel du Bâtiment (IFSB) S.A. should play a central role. These courses enable staff representatives to better perform their daily duties within companies.

This LCGB initiative was well received by the Minister, who voiced his commitment to supporting a wider project to enhance the role of staff representatives with practical training for the construction industry.

Minister Schmit is today in Vienna to discuss the directive on the posting of workers with his EU counterparts. 

Photo by LCGB