On the last day of the year, the National Palaces of Ajuda and Mafra are partially open, as employees of national museums and monuments observe a holiday strike due to lack of government response, stated Orlando Almeida of the National Federation of Public and Social Service Workers Unions (FNSTFPS), which organized the stoppage.
The union leader noted that the strike has “less impact,” “though with significant participation,” similar to what occurred on the previous 1st of the month, as the “majority of these sites are closed on Mondays,” like the museums.
Doormen and security staff from the 38 sites managed by the public entity Museums and Monuments of Portugal (MMP) have been striking on holidays throughout the year in response to the lack of government action on their demands.
Organized by FNSTFPS, the strike has led to the closure of several museums and monuments across the country, including some of the most visited ones in Portugal, on holidays throughout the year.
Among the workers’ demands is “fair compensation” for work performed during holidays.
The strike, called by FNSTFPS, has been ongoing since Easter in April, although the workers had already been on strike for several months in 2024 for the same reasons.
According to the union, employees of public museums, monuments, and archaeological sites receive less than 20 euros net on holidays, an amount they consider “insufficient and unfair”.
