The firm was a former subsidiary of Imprimerie Faber, based in Mersch, which two years ago declared bankruptcy. It was bought in February 2016 by a transfer of shares by the granddaughter of the founder and shareholder of the family business, Myriam Faber.

The president of the staff delegation said he learned about the surprise bankruptcy via email. While the situation of FDS was not public, a rescue plan had been discussed with unions for its parent company. However, it was not accepted and only provided for the cancellation of rent arrears and a pay cut of 30%.

Given its specialisation in digital printing, FDS was widely thought to have successfully weathered the collapse of its parent company.

Management has yet to speak to media about the steps that led to the bankruptcy.

Pit Schreiner of Luxembourg union OGBL said: “There should be other mechanisms, for example the obligation for the employer to intervene earlier with the staff delegation.”