The pandemic and its restrictions can obviously curb holiday desires, and therefore holiday requests. For many, it is better to wait for travel procedures to be simplified, for restaurants to reopen completely... Hence the risk that employees accumulate the days of rest still to be taken and decide to leave at the same time. The problem is that this is also when employers will need staff the most, at least in many industries. 

In France, employers are requesting that companies be able to impose the dates of at least eight days of leave. In Belgium this is also the case.

Also in Luxembourg, "this is a request that we have had for some time now," explains François Koepp, secretary general of the Horesca federation (hotels, restaurants and cafes). But it was turned down, he says. Consequence: "We advise [employers] to speak with their employees so that they go on leave now, during the low season." He added as a reminder that the employer can also refuse leave because of the needs of the service. Employees in the sector cannot normally request them between 15 June and 15 September.

But in the event of refusal, "it is the sick leaves that arrive", he denounces. He therefore relies on good communication between companies and their employees to find compromises.

Awaiting 15 May

A concrete example is at Mama Shelter Luxembourg, where things are functioning, according to managing director, André Pêcheur. “All the vacations have already been planned, by discussing with the employees. They are aware of the situation. With the year which has just passed, mentalities are changing."

At Hôtel Cravat too, "We are down to 25 people, we talk to each other," explains manager Carlo Cravat. "Those who have children will rather leave during the school holidays, others before or after." He had already asked they take one to two weeks in the first six months of the year. "Some people play the game, others less." Either way, he isn't worried about a shortage of manpower this summer, as he does not foresee a recovery until March-April 2022. "Then we can talk about rehiring staff."

“If we communicate with our employees, we always find solutions,” adds Christophe Diederich, head of the Concept + Partners group, which employs 170 people in ten restaurants. It also uses seasonal student contracts during the summer season. The evolution of the pandemic is still disrupting planning, and the CEO is waiting to know the date of reopening of the restaurants to set the vacation schedule.

Little concern in other sectors

Outside the hospitality industry, with regard to days off, "this is a question that will arise," admits Jean-Paul Olinger, director of the Union des entreprises luxembourgeoises (UEL). For the moment, however, employers are not asking to be able to impose days of leave, and "it's regulated at the level of the companies".

Chamber of Trades president Tom Oberweis concurs. "A large part of employees in construction are affected by collective leave." No specific request either from the Luxembourg Confederation of Commerce (CLC), according to Nicolas Henckes. "In retail, the month of August is often calm," so taking time off during the period does not pose too many problems. The impact, however, could be felt at the event or gym level if activity picks up, he guesses.

When it comes to tourism, “we plan this in the normal way, as every year. We have always had a seasonal activity,” explains Luxair CEO Gilles Feith.

As a reminder, an employer cannot impose individual leave dates in Luxembourg without the employee's consent or require him or her to take unpaid leave. In the event that the company is closed for annual leave, the period of collective leave must be set in agreement with the staff delegation or, failing that, with the employees concerned.

This article was originally published in French on Paperjam and has been translated and edited for Delano.