OGBL strongly opposes the exclusion of the social partners from the new High Council for Equality which is supposed to replace the Women’s Labor Committee (Comité du Travail Féminin – CTF).

While the OGBL Equality expressly supports the initiative for a broadening of competences and the establishment of a dynamic equality body, it is forced to disagree with the composition of this new body, which sweeps away the tripartite model.

Indeed, according to the draft Grand-Ducal regulation, the new High Council for Equality would be composed of 5 members appointed by the Minister, one representative of the National Council for Women and two representatives from civil society, without specifying which organizations would be eligible for these two positions. Designation criteria seem to be left largely to the discretion of the Minister of Equality between Women and Men. Nor are the social partners represented on the Equality Observatory Support Committee, which will also be implemented.

Previously, the Women’s Committee had a tripartite composition, in accordance with the Luxembourg model of social dialogue. Thus, four places were allocated to the most representative trade union organizations at the national level. Unfortunately, the guarantee of trade union representation is no longer given.

While the OGBL welcomes a broadening of the scope of the new Council, it is unacceptable to exclude the trade unions, which are major and indispensable players. A special responsibility must be placed on the social partners to ensure that gender equality policies are successful and translated into reality.

Trade unions are the legitimate representatives of employees of all genders and nationalities and defend their interests in the world of work and in all social and societal issues in the broadest sense. They have always played an important role in the promotion of gender equality. Their presence must be guaranteed by a legal basis.

Therefore, OGBL Equality categorically opposes the planned composition of the High Council for Equality and asks the Minister to make the necessary changes.

Press release by OGBL Equality,
7 February 2023