Workers responsible for security and reception at the 38 sites managed by the public company Museus e Monumentos de Portugal (MMP) have been striking throughout the year on public holidays, protesting the government’s lack of response to their demands.
Organized by the Federation of National Trade Unions of Public and Social Function Workers (FNSTFPS), the strike has resulted in the closure of several museums and monuments across the country, including some of the most visited in Portugal.
Today, the last public holiday of the year, sees another strike take place, but FNSTFPS leader Orlando Almeida noted that, as on the previous holiday on December 1, the effect will not impact museums that are closed on Mondays.
According to Orlando Monteiro, disruptions are expected at several palaces and monuments, particularly those that were closed on December 1.
Providing an assessment of a day of striking that was deemed “successful” under the circumstances, the union official noted that the Convent of Christ, Guimarães Castle, Paço dos Duques, Sagres Fortress, and the National Palace of Mafra were closed. Meanwhile, the National Palace of Ajuda was partially open.
“We anticipate the same level of participation as the last holiday, with the same sites likely to close,” stated Orlando Monteiro.
These workers are demanding a “fair compensation” for working on holidays and criticize the government for its lack of responses to their issues.
The strike, called by the FNSTFPS, has been ongoing since Easter, in April, although workers had been on strike for several months in 2024 for the same reasons.
According to the union, museum, monument, and public archaeological site workers receive less than 20 euros net on holidays, which they deem insufficient and unfair.
