The non-payment of wages to workers at Lajes Air Base by the United States is described as “shameful and a violation of the rights of these workers without any legal basis,” stated a resolution presented by Bloco de Esquerda deputy António Lima.
The parliamentarian highlighted that these Portuguese employees are under “furlough,” a measure under U.S. legislation permitting the suspension of payment due to budget approval issues, which lacks any legal grounding in Portugal.
The resolution, approved by the Azorean parliament, stresses the urgency for the Regional Government and the Government of the Republic to demand, assertively and imperatively, payment to the Portuguese workers at Lajes Air Base, ensuring their rights through available legal mechanisms under the bilateral agreement between Portugal and the USA.
The Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs, Paulo Estêvão, reminded during the plenary session that the Azorean government had already sent a letter to the Portuguese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Paulo Rangel, this Wednesday, conveying “deep concern” about the labor situation of Portuguese workers at Lajes Air Base.
Estêvão warned that the language used by Bloco de Esquerda in their resolution is “counterproductive” and “undiplomatic,” referring to one of the Azores’ and Portugal’s major allies, the USA.
Nuno Barata from Iniciativa Liberal noted that U.S. President Donald Trump is “accustomed” to more critical language, suggesting that Bloco de Esquerda’s terminology will not incite a diplomatic incident between Portugal and the U.S.
The letter, signed by the Vice-President of the Azorean Government, Artur Lima, described the non-payment to Portuguese workers as “unprecedented and unacceptable,” inflicting on fundamental labor justice principles and challenging the dignity of employees under the Cooperation and Defense Agreement between Portugal and the United States.
Andreia Cardoso, PS parliamentary leader in the Regional Assembly, expressed doubts about the alleged letter’s existence, particularly since its mention only surfaced on the executive’s website minutes before the BE resolution was discussed in parliament: “Where is the letter!? Show the letter!?”
Paulo Estêvão assured, “I swear the letter was sent,” although unable to provide immediate proof, he promised verification later if demanded by the Azorean parliament.
António Lima (BE) persisted, “When was the letter sent? At what time?” accompanied by Pedro Neves of PAN, who added irony to the request: “please provide us the letter, kindly and with a packet of sugar.”
João Bruto da Costa, PSD parliamentary leader, expressed inability to understand the opposition’s demands for the Regional Legislative Assembly to advise the Government to act, which it already had.
The resolution was approved by majority, with votes from BE, PS, PAN, IL, and CH, despite opposition from the three governing parties (PSD, CDS, and PPM), which lack a parliamentary majority.
