A strike on overtime and special events work has been “decided and finalized” following two workers’ meetings held on Monday and Tuesday, announced Sara Gligó from the Federation of Transport and Communications Unions (Fectrans). The decision, approved by majority vote, is set to begin in May.
Gligó further stated that unions are authorized for “all necessary actions to show the workers’ dissatisfaction,” after discussions with the company’s Board of Directors on April 30. The key issues at stake are an increase in meal allowances and a reduction of the workweek to 35 hours, as achieving a salary increase is constrained by current legislation.
The union leader emphasized that workers “are not just for special events,” contrasting with the company’s focus. “We are aware of upcoming events and understand that the strike will have an impact,” she remarked.
During a meeting with the office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Housing on Tuesday afternoon, Gligó mentioned the union submitted an agreement concerning remunerative variables (overtime and holidays), highlighting that “for the years 2023 and 2024, nothing has been fulfilled nor any counterproposal presented.”
Additionally, an Open Letter regarding last year’s accident near Alvalade station was handed over, previously delivered to the Metropolitano de Lisboa’s Board of Directors.
In discussions at Miguel Pinto Luz’s office, it was revealed to the unions that the company’s Board touted the new professional category as “the best thing in the world” concerning the Career Regulation. According to Gligó, the delegation learned that the executive “did not claim a lack of funds for the variables, suggesting negotiations with the unions, which, at no point, occurred.”
“We have already informed about the impending protest actions if nothing changes,” Gligó added.
Metropolitano de Lisboa operates four lines daily: Yellow (Rato-Odivelas), Green (Telheiras-Cais do Sodré), Blue (Reboleira-Santa Apolónia), and Red (Aeroporto-São Sebastião), typically running from 06:30 to 01:00.
