“The main issue in the Azores is low wages, as shown by a recent study. It is urgent to raise wages overall, allowing for a fairer distribution of wealth and recognizing the essential role of workers in the economy. They are the ones who make the region function daily, yet they face drastic reductions in purchasing power and poverty due to inflation, which ensures higher profits for large companies,” stated Rui Teixeira, the new coordinator of the union center in the Azores.
At a press conference in Horta, on Faial Island, the CGTP stated that, immediately, “it is urgent to increase the Regional Addition to the National Minimum Wage from 5% to 10%.”
“To prove the real possibility of this increase, one only needs to see that it means less than 1.5 euros per day (43.5 euros per month), but it will greatly relieve the difficulties faced by the thousands of workers who receive the Regional Minimum Wage,” he noted.
In addition to the general salary increase, the CGTP advocated for a 35-hour workweek, job stability with “fair competitions,” career valuation, among other demands, “fundamental for workers and also for reconciling their professional life with their personal and family life.”
On another note, they warned of the “housing crisis” in the Azores, claiming it is “a drama experienced by more and more families,” with “unaffordable monthly costs, inaccessible prices, families evicted.”
“To all this, the government is insensitive, announcing insufficient solutions both in number and urgency for the new cases that arise every day. This is the best example of the result of leaving a human right in the hands of the market,” it added.
The CGTP also criticized the Republic’s Government for “trying to impose” changes to strike laws, “serving the interests of big bosses.”
“CGTP-IN/Azores calls for the union of all workers and society to halt this setback. The government should strengthen labor rights, not attempt to restrict them,” further defended the General Confederation of Portuguese Workers.
The coordinating committee of CGTP-IN met on Wednesday to analyze the regional and national political and union situation, also making organizational changes.
According to the information provided, Rui Teixeira was elected as the new coordinator in the Azores, replacing João Decq Mota.
Vítor Silva was also elected as vice-coordinator.
The coordinating committee unanimously highlighted the work and “commitment demonstrated” by João Decq Mota and Luísa Cordeiro, who are now leaving their functions but will continue their activities within CGTP-IN/Azores.
