The CGFP had launched calls to reform certain elements of the civil service, such as reducing the training period and salaries, in November last year. It had given the political parties until Tuesday 20 February to position themselves.

While the other parties (CSV, LSAP, Greens) said they wanted to discuss these claims, the DP issued a statement on the proposed deadline.

The DP stated that the current civil service must be reformed and adapted to technological progress. The shortage in certain areas is linked to a lack of candidates, and the fact that current civil service trainees often don’t receive adequate training and mentoring. The DP wants to review what is taught during the training period and to reduce the duration. This will be counterbalanced by life-long learning and continued training.

According to Paperjam, head of the civil service trade union Romain Wolff welcomed the statement, but said he wanted the negotiations to take place before the parliamentary elections in October. He also insisted that giving trainees a full salary instead of the current 80-80-90 rule was non-negotiable; however he was more flexible on reducing the training period on a sector-by-sector basis. A training period of one year was too short for some departments, he said.

He warned that the ball was in the government’s court now, and that the CGFP could decide on union action at its next committee meeting on 28 February.

In Luxembourg, the civil service union is a powerful player. Entry requirements, salary, benefits and working conditions in the public sector are often protracted and arduous negotiations with any government.