In a speech at a session marking the 112th anniversary of Álvaro Cunhal in Braga, Paulo Raimundo criticized the Prime Minister for not addressing issues in the new labor package.
“Why didn’t he respond to the introduction of even more precarious work conditions than we already have? Why didn’t he address further deregulation of working hours, which already disrupts family life and personal time?” questioned the communist leader.
He continued by emphasizing the lack of government reaction to proposed changes regarding dismissals with just cause, which is one of the issues in the labor package. “Why didn’t he say anything about threats to future prospects, particularly for young people who face temporary contracts and increasing precariousness?”
Raimundo argues that the recent times show that the PSD, CDS, the Government, Chega, and Iniciativa Liberal are influenced by large economic groups, not to solve people’s problems or reduce precariousness, but to lower taxes on profits.
When asked about the Prime Minister’s assertion that the Communist Party affirms its presence through the CGTP union, which, along with UGT, has called for a national strike on December 11, he remarked, “We’ve been here for many years and know the tactics and narratives aimed at undermining us.”
He insisted on discussing precariousness, deregulation of working hours, unpaid labor, and dismissals without just cause, suggesting that the Prime Minister’s statements are an attempt to distract from these issues.
Regarding the timing of the strike, while the document is still under discussion, Raimundo noted that the government presented it in July with the same guidelines, which “have not changed,” emphasizing that the main elements remain untouched.
“What are the main elements? More precariousness, more regulation of working hours, more unpaid work, dismissals with just cause, and stealing future prospects from the young. If these remain unchanged, what are we waiting for? This package needs to be withdrawn,” he asserted.
The communist leader also accused Luís Montenegro of being indifferent to the fact that there are 2.7 million workers with deregulated hours, two million receiving up to 1,000 euros a month, and one million in precarious jobs. “That’s why he sleeps better,” he claimed.
