“This labor package is a major order from economic groups and employers,” he stated, referring to the changes in labor legislation that, he claimed, aim to “impose longer working hours, more fixed-term contracts, more subcontracting, and dismissals for just cause,” as well as “cutting overtime pay” and “attacking the rights of mothers, fathers, and children.”
During a luncheon rally in Alpiarça, in the district of Santarém, the communist leader rejected the narrative that “the current law is rigid” and that “young people don’t want lifetime jobs,” arguing that “rigid is the life of workers,” especially young people, who face precarious employment and low wages.
“A permanent contract does not prevent anyone from changing jobs, but it provides freedom and security. Those with a precarious contract do not know what tomorrow will bring,” he stated.
Paulo Raimundo called for mobilization against the labor package, emphasizing that “workers are the force that keeps the economy running” and that “the more we understand the content of the package, the more reasons there are to fight it.”
“November 11 is a day of struggle. It is not the final battle, but it is a decisive one to stop this path,” he stated, calling for “courage, unity, and class pride.”
Paulo Raimundo also accused the government of “accelerating measures against the lives of the majority” and of maintaining a policy “at the behest of Brussels and large economic groups,” citing the State Budget as an example, which he described as “an budget of benefits for banks and real estate funds, while refusing wage increases, pensions, and public services.”
Among the criticisms, he highlighted “the dismantling of the National Health Service,” “the handing over of housing to speculation,” “the rising cost of living,” and “the intention to change the retirement age,” arguing that “40 years of work and contributions are more than enough to access retirement without penalties.”
The PCP leader also accused the government of promoting “a policy of privatizations, attacking social security, and handing over housing to speculation,” considering that “the housing problem is not fiscal,” but rather due to “the speculation of banks and real estate funds.”
The communist secretary-general concluded with a reference to the presidential elections, expressing “pride” in António Filipe’s candidacy, whom he described as “the candidate of the people and defender of rights.”
