Although he affected to be somewhat dissatisfied with a turnout that could have been “even better,” LCGB national president admitted that he was “pleasantly surprised by the turnout of employees.” “We have provided the best possible response to the government’s offensive,” he said. A response? A final warning to the government, say Dury and OGBL general secretary .

What’s next? “It’s a red card,” says Dury. To be more precise, Back is considering further action this autumn if the government does not decide to negotiate. “And why not another large-scale unitary demonstration?” she says. A general strike remains a plausible option, but nothing is set in stone. “But we are ready to go all the way to defend the interests of employees,” reaffirms Back.

130 pages of proposals under the arm

What about 9 July? "We are in the process of consulting. We should have an answer sometime this week", say the two union leaders, comforted and even galvanised by the support on the streets. They will be taking with them the 130-page joint document they have already sent to prime minister  (CSV) without having received the slightest response, and also detailed during the consultation conducted by the minister for social security,  (CSV). The silence irritates them greatly. This document, they say, demonstrates that the financial situation of the pension scheme is not as worrying as the government and employers claim, that the pensions paid out are far from exorbitant, that the projections have always proved wrong and that there is no urgent need for reform. In their view, the document demonstrates that “the pensions issue is not a mathematical one, but above all an eminently political one, a matter of societal choice.”

The opposition savours

The support from the street has also delighted the opposition parties. For  (LSAP), “this mobilisation of 25,000 people cannot be ignored by the current government and its prime minister. The unions are coming out stronger and more determined from 28 June. From now on, the coalition parties should really listen, instead of continuing to dismantle the Luxembourg social model and social gains.”

“This is a great victory for the trade union movement, but also for democracy and the social state,” says  (déi Lénk). “The government has alienated itself from the population and is completely isolated with its radically neo-liberal positions. Either it makes a 180-degree U-turn, or it provokes even more committed trade union and popular action…”

“It was a very strong mobilisation,” says  (déi Gréng). “Beyond all expectations. It’s important that the government takes this message seriously and gets down to serious dialogue with the unions and civil society.”

For  (ADR), “whether there were 12,000 or 15,000 people in the streets shows that a certain unease exists. We share certain concerns, particularly on the issue of pensions. Yes, we must act--but differently. The ADR is proposing clear and responsible solutions. We now need to get back on track with a moderate and realistic approach. After all, this is not the end of the social model. We need to stop exaggerating.”

Marc Spautz calls for compromise

Is it enough to make the government think again and convince it--if not to abandon its social reforms, and, specifically, pensions first and foremost--at least to amend them substantially?

For  (CSV), “it is essential that negotiations resume. After the impressive demonstration of over 14,000 citizens in the centre of our capital on Saturday, it is personally important for me to speak out publicly. The many people who took to the streets clearly expressed their criticism of a number of measures announced by our government, particularly on pensions and employment policy. The message is clear: there is discontent and demands that must be heard.”

“As chairman of the CSV parliamentary group, I consider it my responsibility to take this call for dialogue seriously. We must not ignore the concerns of our citizens. The strong mobilisation shows that many people feel they are not being listened to enough.”

“That is why, in my view, it is crucial that negotiations between the employers, the unions and the government resume quickly. The , so that we can work together to find solutions. It is my clear expectation and sincere hope that all the players will take part in this meeting. Because it is only by getting all the parties around the table that we will be able to work out sustainable solutions for the future. Our country is facing major challenges that we cannot meet alone. And for me, one thing is certain: this requires a willingness to compromise--on everyone’s part.”

Contacted, the director of the Union des entreprises luxembourgeoises (UEL) and the director general of the Chamber of Commerce had no comment.

This article was originally published in .