“As we are committed to conducting responsible negotiations that value our workers without compromising the company’s financial stability for the future, which is the only way to safeguard all jobs, we have presented a new proposal to the union structures,” stated Paulo André, president of EDA, who met with union leaders today.
The workers have already taken to the streets twice in demonstrations demanding salary increases.
Initially, union proposals varied between 5% and 10%. However, workers are now demanding a 4.7% salary increase, with a minimum value of 53 euros per month.
The company, which initially proposed a 2.03% increase, raised it to 2.5% and today presented a “final proposal” of 3.5%, with a guaranteed minimum of 47 euros per month.
“This is a significant effort by the company. This effort represents an additional 1.2 million euros per year in costs to the company,” highlighted Paulo André.
The board of directors awaits a response from the union structures by the end of this week, which will consult the workers.
However, there is the possibility of a strike concerning overtime and travel from June 2 onwards.
“We believe there is room for an understanding with the union structures. We will wait, calmly, for the results of the consultations with the members,” the EDA president pointed out.
According to Paulo André, this is the maximum value EDA can offer, especially since it is a regulated company covered by the tariff compensation mechanism.
“We are subject to efficiency factors by the regulatory entity, and if these are not met, our additional costs are not fully covered. The personnel cost category is one where the regulator does not currently accept the entirety of its costs,” he explained.
When questioned about the fact that EDA workers earn lower salaries compared to those in electricity companies on the mainland and Madeira, as alleged by the workers, the company president said comparisons should be approached cautiously.
“We cannot compare ourselves to a company that operates nationally. EDP is different from EDA—it is an international company operating in various markets, with various businesses, in both regulated and deregulated markets. These are different dynamics from those in the Azores,” he stressed, arguing that comparisons with the regional business sector lead to different conclusions.
The National Syndicate of Industry and Energy (SINDEL) leader, António Melo, stated that “there was an approach” from the company, but it is up to the members to decide whether “to accept EDA’s proposal.”
One of the points that continue to generate dissatisfaction among the union is the minimum increase below 53 euros, which represents the regional minimum wage increase in the Azores.
“I think nobody, including our clients witnessing this conflict, understands why this amount is not granted by a company that has positive results,” he pointed out.
“In a strike, everyone loses. We do not want it, but if necessary, it will happen,” he added.
Rui Medeiros, coordinator of the Electrical Industry Union of the South and Islands (SIESI), also noted that “members will be sovereign in their decision,” but considered that the proposal was still “far from what was intended.”
According to the union leader, the 4.7% increase would be “minimally fair,” considering the losses workers have experienced in recent years and the need to recover some wages.
“The minimum of 53 euros was the regional minimum wage increase. Without ensuring this minimum, EDA’s lowest-paid workers will get closer to the regional minimum remuneration, which is unacceptable in the Electric Company of the Azores,” he emphasized.
