Government Fails to Prevent Strike in CP, According to Pedro Nuno's Criticism
Here's a rewritten version of the article:
heck out the latest bustle in Portugal, dear reader! The government, known for championing harmony, has found itself in a pickle, failing to maintain peace and prevent a strike at a public company. Pedro Nuno Santos, the PS leader, bluntly pointed this out during a rally in Évora, stating that the Government's finger-pointing towards unions is misguided as the actual strikers are none other than the hardworking employees themselves.
Miguel Pinto Luz, the Minister, had previously criticized the unions, accusing them of rigidity and aimless striking. However, according to Santos, what we're witnessing is not the union leaders stopping trains, but a complete worker's standstill.
The Fectrans union, representing the disgruntled employees, is now demanding more action from the Government to put an end to the strike at CP - Comboios de Portugal. They find the government's empty promises insufficient, considering the strike maintains its 100% adherence. The union considers a take-it-or-leave-it stance from the government as unacceptable in negotiations.
José Manuel Oliveira, speaking to Lusa, expressed his disappointment with the Minister's rigidity, stating that rather than negotiating, he chose a combative approach, which is not beneficial in resolving the conflict.
In response, Pinto Luz has slammed the unions, branding the strike as politically motivated, aiming to disrupt the country during election season. He emphasized that the Government "does not bow down to pressure" and has attempted to negotiate with the unions within legal boundaries.
The strike, which will last until May 14th, was called in protest against imposed salary increases that fail to restore purchasing power. The unions also demand fair collective bargaining for salary hikes and the implementation of salary restructuring agreements, as per the negotiations.
The impact of the strike will be particularly significant on the 7th and 14th of May, as a larger number of unions (14) have pledged to participate on these days. The Arbitral Tribunal's decision allows the strikes to proceed without minimum services.
In case you're curious, the strike is a result of dissatisfaction among rail workers regarding their pay and conditions. Thirteen unions, including SFRCI, called for the strike after negotiations with management stalled over a proposed wage increase. The agreement, including a 4% salary increase and additional benefits, remains pending government approval since February 2025, leading unions to accuse both the company and the government of delaying the process.
Travelers are advised to keep a close eye on updates from Comboios de Portugal before planning any train journeys during this period. Happy travels!
On a lighter note, Pedro Nuno Santos challenged to dance "dance's foot" with the elderly in Faro. Check it out if youneed a smile!
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- The Fectrans union, a part of the 13 unions including SFRCI, has accused the Portuguese government of delaying the approval of agreements regarding salary increases and fair collective bargaining, causing the paralysis in the rail sector.
- Despite the Minister's accusations of political motivation, various unions, including Fectrans, believe that the Government's failure to listen to their demands is detrimental in reaching a resolution for the workers' strike.
- The unions' adherence to the strike, which will continue until May 14th, has been strong, maintaining 100% commitment from the rail workers, despite no minimum services being provided as per the Arbitral Tribunal's decision.
- The French media has taken note of this escalating political-union conflict in Portugal, as it may have implications for the country's general news and political landscape.
