Cross-border workers in Luxembourg: towards an increase in teleworking days?
Through Ninon Oget
Published on
The Prime Minister of Luxembourg, Xavier Bettel, in his speech on the State of the Nation, this Tuesday, October 12, 2021.
In addition to the economic and climatic challenges facing the Grand Duchy, the head of government has given a central place to cross-border workers as well as to teleworking.
The essential work of cross-border workers during the health crisis
The Prime Minister himself admits: “We are cross-border workers in essential areas ”and the health crisis has brought this aspect to the fore. For Xavier Bettel, without cross-border workers, “our health system would have collapsed”.
Therefore, a chance that the borders are open during the health crisis. “The closing of the borders has made us aware of the interconnectedness and the dependence we have on our neighbors. […] That is why I am delighted that we have been able to arrange with our neighbors so that the borders remain open for border residents. Unfortunately, it was not easy, ”explained the Prime Minister.
An importance of cross-border travel but also teleworking, the benefits of which have been highlighted by the pandemic, according to the policy.
The goal is to increase the number of telecommuting days
The side effects of this health measure were positive for many employees, said Xavier Bettel, citing less time on the road which allows more time for oneself, family, friends and leisure.
With Belgium, we have even found an agreement that will make it possible to sustainably increase the number of possible teleworking days, from 24 to 34. We hope to find similar solutions with our French and German neighbors.
As a result, the Prime Minister said he was “happy that the social partners have reached an agreement on the way in which teleworking in Luxembourg can become, in the long term, an attractive alternative to work in the office “.
“Teleworking alone cannot be the solution”
On the other hand, Xavier Bettel recognized that teleworking has its limits: “There are many professions that cannot be acquired from home. Multiple constellations of housing or families mean that teleworking brings its share of challenges ”.
Not to mention a lack of social interactions which can lead to mental problems, according to the prime minister. Despite everything, he does not forget that the current model, where thousands of thousands of employees from different backgrounds come to work every day in the same city, cannot be held.
As a result, Xavier Bettel announced that he wanted “Accelerate the decentralization of jobs”. The government’s objective is to “bring housing and employment closer together. Ideally, everyone should be able to find a job in their region ”.
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