ArcelorMittal is to reduce its workforce in Luxembourg: the “Lux2029” agreement, signed on Friday 20 March, provides for up to 300 departures in response to the sector’s difficulties.
The government announced in a press release on Friday 20 March the signing of the new “Lux2029” agreement between the State, ArcelorMittal and the LCGB and OGBL trade unions, following negotiations that began on 1 October 2025. The text ratifies a reduction in the workforce in Luxembourg: around 300 positions are currently deemed surplus to the group’s needs.
To absorb this gap, “early retirement and pension measures, partial unemployment, voluntary departures, internal transfers and natural departures will be implemented”, the government states in a press release, which also mentions the setting up of a redeployment unit to support the employees concerned.
This reorganisation takes place in a difficult context for the European steel industry, faced with rising raw material costs, competition from low-cost imports and an uncertain geopolitical environment. In this context, ArcelorMittal intends to “adjust its internal organisation and fixed cost structure” in order to improve its competitiveness and secure its operations in Luxembourg.
The agreement was signed by the Minister for Labour, Marc Spautz (CSV), the Minister for the Economy, Lex Delles (DP), the Minister of Finance, Gilles Roth (CSV), as well as by ArcelorMittal’s management and the social partners.
Parallel investments
In return, the group is planning an investment programme of between €290.5m and €334.5m over the period 2026–2029, including €44m for facility maintenance. The stated aim is to support the development of the Luxembourg sites and ensure their long-term viability.
A number of projects have been mentioned, notably concerning the digitalisation of production and administrative activities, with the planned creation of a centre of excellence in cybersecurity to support the group’s global operations. Collaborations with academic and research institutions on advanced technologies are also planned.
Moreover, a “Maintenance Academy” is being studied. This training centre would aim to strengthen skills in industrial maintenance professions and create bridges between training, industry and employment.
ArcelorMittal finally confirms that it will maintain its headquarters in Luxembourg, as well as continuing construction of its new building.
