Presidential candidate Gouveia e Melo today criticized certain proposals to amend labor laws, describing them as lacking sense due to their potential to increase job insecurity. He advocated for dialogue and negotiation.
When questioned about the notice of a general strike scheduled for December 11, the candidate stated that there could have been “more negotiation” and that the government should have been “more flexible.”
Regarding worker representatives, he remarked, “They must consider the country’s future in terms of what needs to be flexible for a more dynamic modern economy,” speaking to journalists following a meeting with university student associations in Porto.
“Of course, I agree that changes are necessary, but they should be cohesive because the economy revolves around people, and leaving people behind would be detrimental,” he said, urging the government to consider the ongoing changes as some proposals “often do not make much sense, as they excessively precarize work.”
He cited the example of “the proposal to extend contracts to three years, which essentially is not a contract but rather an experience for the employee with the company.”
“It doesn’t seem reasonable that after one or two years, a company wouldn’t know whether an employee’s qualities warrant extension,” he noted, questioning the necessity of prolonging employment terms, which he argued leads to job precarity.
“This is just one example, but the legislation includes nearly 100 changes,” he observed.
“Negotiations require concessions from both sides, otherwise, it’s not a negotiation. Certainly, workers must recognize that the economy has drastically changed. Jobs for life are not a current reality,” he stated.
Gouveia e Melo emphasized the importance of social fabric, noting that “the economy is about people, not just companies. Companies today cannot focus solely on shareholders; they must also consider their employees, customers, and broader societal and environmental impacts.”
“It’s those companies with a broader perspective that seem to contribute not only to society but also to their own survival in the medium and long term,” he added.
He also addressed the Lisbon Firefighter’s strike, critiquing the state’s tendency towards makeshift solutions and urging structural change. “By changing our approach, we can solve national issues. Regarding firefighters, the problem of fires vanished with the first rains, but will undoubtedly return next year unless actions are taken. It’s crucial to respect firefighters’ professional dignity, acknowledging their importance beyond times of dire need,” he asserted.
Responding to questions about whether political experience is crucial in the upcoming televised debates, Gouveia e Melo expressed the belief that “being genuine is far more important.”
“I will remain true to who I am. The outcome of the debates will reflect my authenticity,” the candidate declared.
At the meeting with university students, Gouveia e Melo conveyed the idea that such engagements should be regular to understand the needs and concerns of young people transitioning to the workforce and tackling Portugal’s future challenges.
