October 9, 1973 – The working class shows it’s still a force to be reckoned with

Exactly 50 years ago, on October 9, 1973, a great day of action and strike took place in Luxembourg, one of the biggest trade union demonstrations of the post-war period. Thanks to this mass mobilization, the LAV, the blue collar workers’ union, from which the OGBL emerged and which initiated the day of action, succeeded in putting its ideas on the political agenda and even marked the 1974 election campaign, which led to the first government without CSV participation since 1926.

At its congress in May 1973, the LAV had decided to organize a large demonstration in the fall, accompanied by a work stoppage, to bring pressure to bear on its newly adopted program of demands. It proposed that the other unions join the action, but the FEP and LCGB refused. In the end, the LAV organized the demonstration and strike largely on its own; while the LVOV and FLTL called for participation in the rally, they refrained from striking, while the FNCTTFEL and CGFP leaderships relied on declarations of solidarity.

The date of the action was set for October 9, 1973, the beginning of the 1973-1974 parliamentary session.

A 14-point list of demands summarizing the LAV’s main proposals was widely circulated. Among the key points were co-determination in the workplace, progressive reform of health insurance, promotion of social housing, the fight against speculation in building land, tax relief on wage supplements, negative taxes for low-income earners, and the introduction or generalization of free public transport for workers and students.

Despite threats from Minister of State Pierre Werner and various employers that the October 9 strike would be illegal, the campaign bore fruit and participation exceeded the organizers’ expectations. The strike call was taken up in most industrial, craft and construction sectors, as well as in several public enterprises.

Between 25,000 and 40,000 people took part in the central demonstration, which linked the capital’s train station to Place Guillaume.

This day of action can be considered a complete success, even a political earthquake. Not only was it the first major strike action since 1958, it was also the largest trade union demonstration of the post-war period.

Thanks to this mass mobilization, the LAV succeeded in putting its ideas on the political agenda and left its mark on the 1974 election campaign, which led to the first government without CSV participation since 1926.

A year after the demonstration, the LAV was able to claim that several of the demands of the October 9 demonstration had already been fully or at least partially implemented:

• the introduction of joint works councils and workers’ representatives on the boards of large companies;
• the reform of the health insurance system (harmonization of benefits between different health insurance funds, increased state participation in financing, equalization of employer and employee contributions);
• adjustment of accident pensions;
• reform of the labor inspection system;
• generalization of free school transportation and discounts for the elderly;
• increased tax allowances on salary supplements.

As of January 1, 1975, the 40-hour work week was also generalized and the 5th week of vacation (25 days) was introduced.

By initiating a major demonstration on October 9, 1973, the LAV took a major step forward in strengthening the Luxembourg welfare state.

Published by OGBL, October 9, 2023