The union federation announced today that workers are resuming their strike to demand fair compensation for work performed on these days. The strike is expected to continue through December 31, impacting all holidays until then.
Speaking with Lusa news agency, Orlando Almeida, a leader of the FNSTFPS, indicated that the federation met last March with the Minister of Culture and the administration of Museus e Monumentos de Portugal, but no negotiations or proposals were forthcoming from the authorities.
“There was absolutely nothing. We are open to negotiations, but with something concrete,” the union representative stated.
According to Almeida, workers at museums, monuments, and archaeological sites under public authority receive approximately 15 to 20 euros on holidays, which equates to “half of a normal day’s pay,” and are compensated for up to two additional hours.
“This problem has persisted for years without successive governments taking action to value the work done on holidays at museums, monuments, and classified sites,” the federation emphasized in a statement.
Orlando Almeida estimated that about a thousand employees currently work at the 38 national museums, monuments, and palaces managed by Museus e Monumentos de Portugal, including the Palácio Nacional de Mafra, the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower in Lisbon, and the Convent of Christ in Tomar.
