Employees of a shoe factory in Pindelo, Oliveira de Azeméis, arrived at work today to find the facility closed and a notice stating the company “will not have money to pay them for 15 days.”
The information was provided by the president of the National Union of Footwear, Bags, and Related Industries (SNPIC), identifying the company as YFF II — Young Fashion Footwear. This factory in the district of Aveiro and Greater Porto Metropolitan Area has delayed payments for approximately 70 employees, including “July and August salaries and holiday bonuses.”
“No one understands what the notice about the company not being able to pay in the next 15 days means, as it’s not explained on paper, and the owner does not answer calls,” stated the union leader, Fernanda Moreira.
Temporary suspension of work contracts or insolvency are potential outcomes concerning the employees, although SNPIC indicates that “the company had orders” and production did not decline, suggesting no imminent risk of closure. The factory has been operating for the foreign market.
Fernanda Moreira is not optimistic, considering the history of the company owner, known for establishing and dissolving businesses abruptly, often reappearing with a new company soon after.
“The owner is known for the habit of conducting business this way, disappearing suddenly and starting another company with a new tax number immediately,” she remarked.
Attempts to reach YFF II for comments were unsuccessful as all available phone lines were disconnected.
