The SPAC leadership has expressed “deep concern” over approximately one hundred measures included in the government’s proposal, describing them as “an unprecedented regression in labor rights since the ‘troika’ period.”
Hélder Santinhos, president of SPAC, insists that this issue transcends partisan or corporate matters, emphasizing the defense of fundamental workers’ rights.
Key points of contention in the draft include the automatic expiration of Company Agreements, easier dismissals with less reintegration protection, the spread of precarious contracts among large companies, and the diminishing bargaining power of unions, Santinhos noted.
Even though pilots are acknowledged as professionals with specific labor characteristics, SPAC emphasizes the need to maintain “active solidarity.” Santinhos warns that European experience shows labor deregulation in more vulnerable sectors inevitably affects all professions: “When labor rights are weakened, no level remains immune!” he added.
The decision to participate in the general strike on December 11 has been approved by flight attendants represented by the National Union of Civil Aviation Flight Personnel (SNPVAC). During an emergency general meeting held on November 24, 2,802 union members participated in the vote: 2,305 supported the strike, 320 opposed, and 177 abstained.
The general strike on December 11, called by both CGTP and UGT, opposes the proposed revision of the Labor Code. This will be the first joint strike by the two main labor unions since June 2013, when Portugal was under the ‘troika’ intervention.
