Stagnation of collective agreement negotiations in the security sector: ALEBA demands its place at the discussion table

Luxembourg, March 27, 2025 - ALEBA notes, with regret, the persistent stagnation of negotiations regarding the collective agreement for the security sector in Luxembourg.

Since the last collective agreement expires on September 30, 2022, no new agreement has been reached despite numerous promises made during the health crisis period.

This situation is all the more concerning as working conditions in the sector have visibly deteriorated. While security professionals were designated as "essential" at the height of the crisis, it is clear that lasting effects have not followed recognition commitments. Salary increases have not been sufficient to compensate for the increased cost of living. Employees' purchasing power remains under pressure.

It is also imperative to bring the sector's professionalization back onto the agenda. An ambitious reform of continuing education and access criteria for security functions (from agents to administrative staff) is essential. The Luxembourg model could thus draw inspiration from standards in force in our European neighbours, such as Belgium, France, or Germany. This approach would strengthen the consistency and quality of service while enhancing professional career paths.

ALEBA, with more than fifty years of experience negotiating collective agreements, deplores the systematic exclusion of non-nationally representative unions from sectoral discussions. This restrictive approach harms the representativeness and effectiveness of negotiations. It especially deprives employees of new proposals originating directly from grassroots unions that listen to their members.

We, therefore, solemnly call for reforming the sectoral negotiation framework to include all unions representing companies or sectors at the company or sector level, regardless of their "national" label. Such openness would establish a richer, more representative, and, therefore, more legitimate social dialogue.

Finally, if no progress is observed, ALEBA declares itself ready to consider, alongside other supportive unions, any large-scale action aimed at ensuring respect for the rights and expectations of the 5,000 employees in the sector.

Unity is strength, and the future of the security sector deserves much better than a restricted table.

Roberto MENDOLIA,

President