Luxembourg Government, Social Partners Engage in 11-Hour Talks

On Wednesday 9 July 2025, the Luxembourg government met with the social partners - including trade unions and employers - to address economic and social challenges, following a recent protest.

Addressing the Chamber of Deputies (parliament) on Thursday 10 July 2025, Luxembourg's Prime Minister Luc Frieden confirmed that the "intensive discussions" lasted eleven hours - a testament to the strength of social dialogue. He emphasised the importance of strong social cohesion and the freedom to discuss current challenges.

Prime Minister Frieden said the government had achieved its goal of bringing stakeholders together to listen and speak to each other and of building bridges between the social partners.

The government confirmed that it will not introduce a draft bill regarding collective agreements. This decision represents a concession to the OGBL and the LCGB which had insisted that trade unions retain exclusive collective bargaining rights.

Among other topics discussed was pension reform. Prime Minister Frieden reiterated the government's commitment to building bridges and finding compromises on issues deemed important for the future. He expressed hope for progress in the coming weeks and stressed the need to strike a balance (to maintain a strong economy).

The government has invited the social partners to continue discussions on Monday 14 July 2025.

The prime minister described the discussions as "difficult" but thanked the social partners for their engagement and expressed optimism about future discussions.

He also stressed the need for an economy and businesses that adapt and innovate, noting the government's desire to strengthen the Grand Duchy for the future. He reiterated the important role played by social dialogue in this effort.

(Photo copyright: SIP / Claude Piscitelli)