Luxembourg: government and social partners reach an agreement on pensions National industrial relations Talks between the government, the Luxembourg Confederation (CLC) and the LCGB and OGBL trade unions ended on 3 September without a full agreement. While a compromise was reached on pension reform, other issues remain unresolved. The government said it would now put forward its own amendments to legislation on Sunday work and shop opening hours.
Poland: state-backed reduced working hours trial launched Initiatives from the public authorities and other stakeholders Poland’s labour ministry on 14 August launched a pilot scheme to test shorter working hours, allowing companies to trial either a four-day week or reduced daily hours. Employers selected for the programme will receive state financial support to help implement the new work arrangements.
Austria: conservatives open debate on curbing part-time work National legislation Austria’s economic pressures and a shortage of skilled workers have prompted business leaders and conservatives to urge people to put in longer hours. Yet nearly a third of the workforce is now part-time, and the average working week is expected to shrink to just 28.5 hours by 2024. Moralising about a so-called "part-time lifestyle" – even as many firms benefit from it – is proving far from popular, however.
