The security workers at 38 facilities managed by the public company Museus e Monumentos de Portugal (MMP) will resume their strike during holidays, a move organized by the Federation of National Unions of Public and Social Function Workers (FNSTFPS).
The holiday strikes have led to the closure of several prominent museums and monuments across Portugal.
This week, FNSTFPS leader Orlando Almeida noted that since the last meeting with the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Margarida Balseiro Lopes, and the MMP board on July 15, no proposal has been presented for workers to consider.
“We are still waiting for a resolution to an issue presented to the oversight over a year ago,” Almeida said, expressing that there was hope for a near-term proposal following the meeting with the minister, but it has yet to materialize.
In response to a recent inquiry via email by Lusa regarding the strike, the communications director of the public enterprise MMP stated, “At this stage, we have no further comments on the process, while continuing to work and maintain close dialogue.”
Museum, monument, and archaeological site workers managed by MMP are demanding fair compensation for holiday work and supplementary hours, which they claim are inadequately remunerated, even when exceeding the usual two-hour overtime limit.
Prior to the most recent strike on August 15, FNSTFPS released a statement indicating that in 2024, the 38 MMP facilities earned ticket sales revenue totaling €21,217,432, due to tourism and educational visits, emphasizing the central role of heritage in culture.
“This issue has persisted for years without any resolution from successive governments of PSD and PS, with or without CDS, in recognizing holiday work,” stated the union in its release.
The 38 national museums, monuments, and palaces under MMP management, including the Palace of Mafra, Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower in Lisbon, and Convent of Christ in Tomar, employ approximately 1,000 workers, according to union leader Orlando Almeida.
On their website concerning the strike, MMP has warned of potential “disruptions in access to museums and monuments” they manage and reminds that pre-purchased tickets can be exchanged or refunded via Blueticket.
“We apologize for the inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding,” stated MMP.
