Seasonal Delay

Labour Minister Marc Spautz wanted to simplify procedures for seasonal workers in time for this year's grape harvest. That won't happen.

The reform, set in motion by his predecessor Georges Mischo in November 2025, didn't make it through parliament before the summer recess. Several institutional opinions, including one on occupational health, are still pending. Spautz now expects a committee vote in October or November.

For winegrowers, the existing rules apply throughout this year's harvest. Asked whether the Labour Inspectorate (ITM)[1] might take a more lenient approach given the imminent reform, Spautz was clear: the current law still applies, full stop.

The main change on the table is letting seasonal workers undergo their mandatory occupational health examination in their home country, with a Luxembourg occupational health doctor validating the certificate afterward. Spautz called it a "major opening" compared to the existing system, where workers must be examined in Luxembourg.

He stressed that responsibilities need to be clearly defined if there's a workplace accident. "As long as nothing happens, everything is fine," he said. "But if there were an accident and the procedures had not been followed properly, then the question would immediately arise as to who is responsible."

Spautz also said he wants to tackle platform work[2] next, calling it an area where workers are particularly vulnerable to exploitation. Details remain vague, but it signals the government's next labour front after seasonal workers.