About this Episode
Luxembourg is facing a pressing issue as Lactalis has announced it will cease purchasing milk from local farmers at its Ekabe plant, affecting around 70 dairy producers and leaving them without a key market for their 55 million liters of milk. This decision is attributed to a global overproduction of milk and intense competition in international markets, coupled with significant financial losses for the company in Luxembourg. In response, representatives from the affected farmers, the agriculture ministry, and stakeholders are exploring alternative options, including negotiations with potential buyers like Luxlait and Arla in Germany. As the situation develops, the urgency to secure a buyer for the surplus milk is critical for the sustainability of these local farms.
Trade unions, OGBL and LCGB, are advocating for a permanent job-protection unit and a higher solidarity tax on corporations as they prepare for tripartite negotiations with the government. The unions oppose a general cut in corporate tax and urge that financial strain should be met with investment rather than social cuts. They demand an immediate €300 increase in the social minimum wage and have proposed the creation of a “national redeployment and retraining unit” to support workers facing redundancy. With rising inflation and dissatisfaction over current conditions, the unions aim to address broader employment issues in addition to immediate concerns about rising costs during the ongoing discussions initiated by Prime Minister Luc Frieden.
Luxair has postponed its flights to Lisbon and Porto originally scheduled for June 3 due to a nationwide general strike in Portugal, rescheduling them to June 4. Passengers on these flights will be automatically notified and rebooked. In contrast, flights to Faro and Funchal are expected to operate as planned, although potential delays and longer wait times may occur at affected airports. Luxair advises travelers to arrive at least three hours early and to stay updated on their flight status as the situation evolves. The decision underscores the ongoing uncertainty surrounding operations in Portugal amid the strike.
