The Azorean government has published an order in the Official Journal authorizing a social, temporary, and refundable financial aid for the workers at the United States Forces in the Azores (USFORAZORES), located in Lajes on Terceira Island, to advance their delayed salaries.
The government statement announced that with the enactment of the order, these workers are invited to voluntarily approach the Azores Social Security Institute (ISSA) starting Monday to initiate the process of obtaining this support.
This exceptional and transitional measure aims to alleviate the economic and social impacts resulting from the suspension of salary payments by the foreign employer, ensuring that workers temporarily maintain their regular income until the situation is resolved, the statement explains.
The order outlines the maximum financing amount, the management rules for contracts to be concluded by ISSA, and the support granting procedure, as per Government Council Resolution No. 149-A/2025 of November 5.
The financial aid is explained as covering the overdue net salaries until regular salary processing is restored by the employer, calculating the period between September 7 to September 20, 2025.
The amounts advanced to each worker are to be fully reimbursed within ten business days after the receipt of corresponding salaries from the employer.
The Vice-President of the Azores Regional Government, Artur Lima, said in the statement that the solution makes it clear that the Regional Government acts, is present, and fulfills its duties with the Azorean people.
However, the official highlighted that the National Government has shown an unacceptable disinterest in the Azoreans serving the country at a critical base for international security and stability.
Artur Lima further stated that the commitment and dedication of the professionals remained unchanged, demonstrating resilience and the spirit of the Azorean cause.
Salaries at the Lajes Base on Terceira Island are paid every two weeks. The salary for the fortnight of October 17 was paid with cuts, and the one for October 27 was not paid to approximately 450 Portuguese workers due to the U.S. government shutdown.
On Wednesday, the Azorean Government authorized ISSA to enter into financing contracts with banks for up to 1.2 million euros to pay the salaries of the Portuguese workers at the Lajes Base.
The costs will be assumed by the Azores through Social Security, without prejudice to the respective reimbursement by the National Government.
The Regional Government President, José Manuel Bolieiro, had previously stated that the Azores would ensure the workers’ salaries through a bank agreement if the National Government did not cover the wages.
On Friday, during a parliamentary hearing in the Azorean parliament, Vice-President Artur Lima once again accused the Foreign Affairs and Defense Ministers of abandoning the Portuguese workers at the Lajes Base with delayed salaries.
The official recalled that a week ago, he sent a letter to the Foreign Affairs Minister, Paulo Rangel, regarding the situation but has yet to receive a response.
Artur Lima emphasized that he considers this a lack of respect for the Azorean Government and the Regional Autonomous Government of the Azores, highlighting that the issue is significantly complicated and has been a complex process.
The Vice-President also lamented the lack of “collaboration” from the Minister of Social Security and expressed that the Regional Government is taking over responsibilities that belong to the National Government.
