The UGT and Prime Minister Luís Montenegro met on Wednesday in São Bento, Lisbon. Both parties described the meeting as constructive, yet the UGT confirmed that the general strike scheduled for December 11 will proceed, while Montenegro chose not to comment on the matter.
Indeed, “the topic wasn’t even approached from that angle or perspective,” stated Luís Montenegro when questioned by journalists about the meeting with the UGT, following a Congress of CAP event he attended shortly after the meeting in São Bento with the trade union.
When asked if his presence was crucial in reducing tension in negotiations between the Government and the UGT over changes to labor law, the Prime Minister indicated he merely responded to the trade union’s request for a meeting.
“The UGT requested a meeting with me, and I naturally scheduled it. The meeting was requested, it happened, and it was very important,” he said.
Asked if there was a positive and direct spirit in the meeting – as he had indicated moments before with another social partner, the Confederation of Portuguese Farmers (CAP) – Montenegro agreed.
“There was a positive, direct, dialoguing, constructive spirit, and now we will wait,” he said.
Is the general strike still on? UGT says yes, Montenegro does not respond
Continuing to his car, Montenegro did not answer journalists’ questions about whether he still considered it possible to avoid the general strike called by CGTP and UGT for December 11.
In contrast, upon leaving the meeting, UGT Secretary-General Mário Mourão described the meeting in São Bento with the Prime Minister and Labor Minister Rosário Palma Ramalho as “quite constructive,” although he confirmed, “the strike will go ahead.”
According to Mário Mourão, deadlines indicate that “there are not many conditions to suspend or cancel the strike.” However, the trade union acknowledges there seems to be “willingness and availability” on the Government’s part to continue discussing the proposed changes to the labor law.
Is there room for an agreement? “Before the general strike, I don’t think so”
Both the UGT and the Government expressed willingness to “continue working towards finding common ground to see if there is room for an agreement,” Mário Mourão stated at the end of the meeting that lasted more than an hour.
“Before the general strike, I don’t think it’s possible to have an agreement,” added the union leader, while emphasizing “there is the will to work” from both UGT and the Government.
Mário Mourão highlighted that the draft labor reform has “more than 100 articles, many of which are very sensitive and impact workers,” making it essential to verify if the parties are willing to continue working together.
Should an agreement be reached, “it cannot be rushed,” and for now, the general strike scheduled for December 11 will go ahead.
Doctors, nurses, banking, teachers, and employees from Autoeuropa, commerce, offices, and services are part of the anticipated participants for the general strike on December 11. Stay informed.
