Postal Distribution Center (CDP) workers in Porto, specifically from centers 4.100 and 4.200, commenced the first of a two-day strike today. The action addresses concerns regarding the significant deterioration of the universal postal service and working conditions at CTT, particularly highlighting staff shortages and the persistent need for unpaid overtime work.
CTT has responded, assuring the reinforcement of human resources in necessary CDP locations during the holiday period, a measure previously communicated to the Workers’ Commission.
According to the National Union of Postal and Telecommunications Workers (SNTCT), out of 41 workers at CDP 4.100, 36 participated in the strike, reflecting over 87% adherence. At CDP 4.200, 33 of 44 workers joined the strike, indicating a participation rate of 75%.
Paulo Silva, a national leader of SNTCT, reported that workers at both Porto distribution centers have been striving for months to offset the staff shortfall, a situation exacerbated during holiday periods.
This year, Silva noted, the company remains adamant about not hiring additional workers for the holiday season, compounding existing challenges.
“In total, there are 85 positions, with an average of 30 or more remaining vacant, leading to exhaustion among current staff who must work significantly longer hours. Consequences of this situation are evident in the service quality, including mail delivery delays. It is unrealistic to provide the same level of service with 50 workers as with 85,” Silva stated.
Sérgio Gaspar, one of approximately 30 workers gathered at the CTT store at Boavista Roundabout, echoed these field difficulties. At CDP 4.100, where he works, employees are constantly overwhelmed, yet some services remain unfulfilled.
“It is impossible to complete the work of two or one and a half people within seven hours, resulting in non-compliance with registered mail and priority deliveries, sometimes delayed by up to five days. The costly standard letter service is also not meeting quality expectations. Consultations and court letters are not delivered, making it impossible,” Gaspar explained.
Sérgio Pereira described a similar situation at CDP 4.200, where the problem is compounded by an aging workforce.
“Staff ages are quite high. For example, I am 60 with certain limitations, making the job extremely taxing,” said Pereira, estimating that at least 10 additional workers are needed to meet delivery deadlines.
“There are delivery routes left incomplete for over a week, especially with priority registrations. Some routes do not depart until two, three, or even four days after dispatch,” Pereira added.
As frequently occurs, workers at the CTT store by Boavista Roundabout were approached by customers questioning the multi-day absence of postal deliveries.
In conversations, a Porto resident reported not receiving any mail for over a week, similar to two of her neighbors awaiting their pension checks.
While contacted, CTT did not confirm the union’s numbers, stating they respect workers’ right to strike and regret any inconvenience caused to clients.
The strike, organized by SNTCT, started at midnight on Monday and will continue until midnight on July 1.
