Eliane Feller: more than 30 years of union involvement with ALEBA

Eliane Feller is President of the staff delegation at Foyer Assurances and a long-time ALEBA member. In time, she has established herself as a trusted figure for her colleagues. Her career illustrates the power of union involvement and the importance of constructive dialogue in the insurance sector.

It all started almost by chance. "Back when I started working at Foyer in 1991, a colleague came up to me and said, 'I'm a delegate, I suggest you join too.' I signed a form and there it was, I was a member of ALEBA. At the time, it was much more common to be a union member; everyone did it. I've never thought about leaving the union since." This chance encounter marked the beginning of a commitment that has lasted for more than thirty years.

Eliane has always felt empowered by the presence of ALEBA. “I feel stronger with the union behind me. If I have a problem or a question, I can always call ALEBA and ask for advice.”

“I feel stronger with the union behind me. If I have a problem or a question, I can always call ALEBA and ask for advice.”

Encouraged by her colleague Jim Schneider, , she ran in the 2019 union elections and was elected. Five years later, in 2024, she became President of the delegation. It is a demanding role, but one she takes on with passion, supported by her long-time colleague Lionel Colle, now Vice-President of the delegation.

Eliane and her team point out that the favourable working conditions enjoyed by employees today are the result of lengthy union negotiations. One concrete example is the expansion of teleworking: after an initial phase of one day per week, which was deemed successful, the union delegation negotiated the right to two days of teleworking per week. “Many people think that we don't need a union as long as there are no problems. But if we enjoy good working conditions today, it's because the union fought for them before.”

“Many people think that we don't need a union as long as there are no problems. But if we enjoy good working conditions today, it's because the union fought for them before.”

Being a good listener, talking things through, and coming up with real solutions: Eliane's daily missions. She chats with employees and management about requests to work from home, well-being, mobility, the quality and price of cafeteria meals, and reminders about work rules. “A lot of coworkers come to me with personal worries. First, you have to listen, then find the best solution, sometimes involving management”

She also emphasises the importance of the training courses offered by ALEBA: “I have learned a great deal from the training courses, particularly the one given by my ALEBA colleague Laurent Tresch on pre-dismissal interviews. This enables us to negotiate concrete and dignified solutions for the employees concerned.”

What drives Eliane to continue her mission is her desire to provide support. “I love helping people, especially those in distress. We always seek solutions that suit both the employer and the employee, in a spirit of transparency.” Among recent achievements, she proudly cites the negotiation of supplementary health insurance for all Foyer employees.

For her, ALEBA's independence is its greatest strength: “It allows us to speak frankly.”

She is also involved in welcoming new employees, raising their awareness of the importance of union involvement. “During introduction meetings, I always ask: who is a union member? Often, almost no one. They don't yet understand the importance of being a union member, but it's our job to explain it to them.”

Throughout her career, Eliane has embodied ALEBA's mission: to represent, support and defend employees. Her testimony reminds us that today's rights are yesterday's achievements, and that the future depends on collective commitment.