According to a letter sent to its members on 7 May 2018, the OGBL said that the key points of contention centred on: remuneration and classification, training and working hours.

With regards classification and remuneration, the union reports, “major changes are on the horizon.” Specifically, it refers to the introduction of a new classification system with only 4 groups (A-D) instead of 6 (1-6), meaning that a re-classification of individuals in these groups will need to be carried out.

“The conversion and implementation of this new classification method will be crucial and require special attention in order to avoid potential career devaluation.”

In addition to this, the draft CBA proposes the introduction of new starting salary thresholds and the abolition of automatic salary increases. It also puts forward the conversion of the seniority bonus (which is currently monthly and part of the salary), and the single premium bonus known as the "loyalty bonus", to a payment that will be paid annually in a progressive manner.

On the issue of training, the union said, “Training is a key element to guarantee the security of professional development. Although the ABBL and the trade unions agree on this in principle, the unions are insisting on having it expressed in a quantifiable manner that states the minimum training time each employee is entitled to on an annual basis.

“Training is the key to enabling the acquisition and implementation of new skills and career development,” the union stated. “The ABBL, in its enthusiasm to modernise and abolish collective guarantees, has relied on training as a driver of career development. Indeed, the new compensation system that the ABBL wants to set up links salary evolution closely to the skills of the employees. However, at the moment, the proposals on the table do not reflect this premise because the link between pay and training is still missing.”

As for working hours, the OGBL reported that, “As there was no consensus between unions and the ABBL on the textual proposal made by the trade unions following a working group on this issue, the trade union side is waiting for a text from ABBL.”