Strengthening the OGBL equals strengthening workers

By voting for the OGBL in the social elections, Luxembourg’s employees and pensioners can send a clear message to the government and employers.

Tuesday, February 6, 2024. It’s just after 6.30pm when OGBL President Nora Back addresses a crowded room at Luxexpo The Box in Kirchberg. One month before the deadline for the social elections, the OGBL held a major meeting dedicated to its candidates in the social elections, both at the level of the Chamber of Employees (CSL) and at company level.

“We are all here today to further strengthen our union. We are not only by far the largest trade union in the country, but we can now also say that we are the only trade union that is truly committed to the interests of people. We are the driving social force in Luxembourg,” said the OGBL President.

In her speech, Nora Back spoke in depth about the crucial importance of these social elections and the need for the OGBL to emerge strengthened. “These are times of crisis. And the first to suffer are always the employees and pensioners. Difficult times are ahead. Especially now that we have to deal with a liberal-conservative government that speaks the same language as the employers’ organizations. We need a strong OGBL because the OGBL is the only union with the courage to stand up against attacks on the interests of the mass of people”.

Indeed, the coalition agreement gives cause for concern. The OGBL president cited pensions as an example:

“If someone is planning to strengthen the second and third pillars, he is automatically planning to weaken the first. And that means nothing less than the weakening of our public pension system. The OGBL has already warned that it is prepared to do everything in its power to oppose any attempt to call the system into question.

The OGBL president also pointed to the index, which the OGBL has been the only one to defend consistently in recent years, and which it will continue to defend, against all odds if necessary: “With the OGBL, it will not be capped, postponed or manipulated, nor will it be abolished”.

The OGBL began its campaign on January 16. The main commitments made by the OGBL to the electorate are based on 8 main issues: defense of the index, good working conditions and wages, better reconciliation of private and professional life, more protective labor laws, fairer taxation, good pensions, defense of our social security and health systems and ensuring access to housing for all.

For further information: www.elsoc.lu