30 years of service, dialogue and solidarity: the story of Ursula Koch

You might know her as Uschi – Ursula Koch has been a central figure in employee representation for over 30 years. Since first joining the staff delegation in 1993, she has tirelessly defended the interests of her colleagues at IPConcept / DZ Privatbank. When she joined ALEBA in 1997, she became a key figure in the trade union. Today, as chair of the delegation, she is determined to pursue her vision of strong social commitment.

Since 2024, she has also represented the interests of all employees in Luxembourg as a delegate of the Chamber of Employees. As part of the Cross-Border Workers' Committee, she also deals with issues specific to commuters.

From her early years as a delegate, Uschi has worked hand in hand with ALEBA. “They were searching for someone to enter the delegation, and I accepted because I like to help my colleagues,” she recalls. At the time, the company counted only 80 employees. Today, Uschi is a point of reference for more than 1,000 employees, who have placed their trust in her for more than three decades.

After two terms as vice-chair, she took over as chair of the delegation in 2013. Since the end of 2022, she has been a full-time delegate and can now devote herself entirely to defending employees' interests. “People come to me with questions about collective agreements, employment contracts or personal issues. My goal is to find solutions and engage in open dialogue with human resources and senior management in order to maintain a good working atmosphere.”

What characterises Uschi is her clear and honest attitude “I tell people what I think. I don't beat around the bush, I tell it like it is. And I try to keep my promises,” Uschi explains. Her frankness has been decisive in delicate negotiations, such as a company agreement concluded in 2014 with the legal support of ALEBA. “It may seem paradoxical, but that was a big success: before that, each dismissal had to be negotiated individually. With this agreement, we were able to offer our colleagues financial security and a reliable framework.”

Over the years, Uschi has also strengthened her ties with ALEBA’s experts, particularly in times of crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic or during redundancies. She highlights the valuable support provided in complex cross-border tax matters and emphasises that ALEBA offers much more than legal advice, but real added value for its members.

Uschi also attaches particular importance to recruiting new members. She notes that many employees in the financial sector underestimate the protection offered by trade unions until problems arise. "I always say: you never know what might happen. And when it does, you need protection “Being part of ALEBA means sharing social values and guaranteeing access to important services, such as advice on labour and social law, including for cross-border workers,’ Uschi emphasises.”

ALEBA offers its members not only legal assistance, but also numerous exclusive benefits, ranging from fuel cards at ARAL and Circle K to special conditions for insurance, continuing education and much more.

Despite the challenges ahead, Uschi is optimistic about the future, especially when it comes to the next generation. “It’s important to inform and train young people who want to get involved as delegates. You need to understand labour law, know how to listen and maintain social dialogue with company leaders. I want these values to be passed on and the work to continue.”

For Uschi, ALEBA's mission is clear: it stands by employees. Her career shows what can be achieved with commitment, integrity, and solidarity, not only within a company but also throughout the Luxembourg labour market. And she is convinced that with each new member who commits to defending employees' rights, ALEBA will continue to grow and gain influence.