“We are not dealing with just anything; we are facing a government intention – as in other areas, but very evidently in this one – of a major blow, a blow that adds more precariousness to already existing precariousness, a blow that adds more deregulation of working hours to the already difficult and deregulated lives of workers,” stated Paulo Raimundo in Palmela.
“It’s a blow that will attack trade union rights and opens a new line of dismissals without just cause, which is completely inconceivable,” he added.
The communist leader, speaking to Lusa agency during an initiative with Autoeuropa workers as part of the PCP’s national action “A Different Path for the Country. Reject the Labor Package, Exploitation and Injustices,” called on workers to fight against this.
“It is necessary to say no to this, to reject this labor package, and for it to be removed from discussion once and for all,” advocated Paulo Raimundo, noting that “PSD and CDS are the spokespersons for this labor package, with Chega and the Liberal Initiative joining in, giving voice to the great ambitions of big business.”
“Next Saturday, workers have a great opportunity to say no to this labor package at the demonstration called by CGTP, in the national march, which should be a major event with significant participation,” he emphasized.
Faced with a foreseeable agreement among right-wing parties, who are in the majority in the Assembly of the Republic to approve the new labor package, Paulo Raimundo believes that workers’ struggle can still halt the new legislation, despite the current balance of power.
“We know that the balance of power is not the best, which is why this strike is advancing, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be possible to defeat [the new labor package]. We have faced a balance of power before that also paved the way for big coups – such as those underway in various areas, starting with Social Security, Health, and beyond – but the strength of workers is not less than the balance of power out there,” he stated.
“The signal that needs to be given next Saturday with a great demonstration of strength, and what workers decide for the future continuation of this struggle, which will be long and intense, are very important signals. Governments don’t last forever, and their policies don’t last forever. And sometimes, when one thinks they are sitting in front of a great majority, it’s often so fragile, so fragile, so fragile that the strength of the workers can defeat them,” concluded Paulo Raimundo.
