May 1st, 2026: Employees need answers, not speeches

On the occasion of May 1st, ALEBA wishes to highlight an obvious fact: employees are not looking for symbols; they are looking for answers.

Purchasing power, housing, energy prices, job quality, social dialogue, and the future of work, these are the real issues today. These are the topics occupying minds, filling headlines, and concretely determining the daily lives of thousands of workers in Luxembourg.

The cost of living remains too high for many. Furthermore, the debate over the social minimum wage extends beyond just the employees directly affected. It raises a broader question regarding the dignity of work and the ability of every individual to live properly from their professional activity.

The housing crisis also continues to deeply weaken workers. More and more households are spending an excessive share of their income on housing. Added to this is the issue of energy prices, which still weigh heavily on budgets and call for clearer, more effective political responses.

In this context, social dialogue must be taken seriously. It cannot be invoked only when convenient. If the Tripartite and major social arbitrations are returning to the centre of debate, then the voice of employees must truly be taken into account.

ALEBA will continue its commitment to defending workers across the country, in all sectors where it is present, and more broadly on all issues concerning respect at work, remuneration, social protection, working conditions, and the future of employment.

Of course, the transformations of the world of work also remain at the heart of our concerns. Teleworking for cross-border workers, digitalisation, artificial intelligence, and automation raise major challenges. However, these subjects must not overshadow the essentials: a worker first needs security, respect, a proper income, accessible housing, and stable perspectives.

This May 1st, ALEBA calls for a clear refocusing of priorities: defending purchasing power, acting on housing, seriously addressing the energy issue, and restoring a credible social dialogue.

Roberto Mendolia
President of ALEBA