The 9 PM performance by Pedro Penim was cancelled, as announced by the national theatre on social media, due to a strike organized by the Cena-STE union. Ticket holders are eligible for refunds until June 9. Another performance is scheduled for Saturday at 9 PM, but ticket exchanges are not allowed for today’s cancelled show.
The Union of Workers in Shows, Audiovisual, and Musicians (Cena-STE) noted on Thursday that employees of the national theatre would participate in a strike today in response to what they described as a “frustrating silence” from management regarding their working conditions.
In a brief statement released Thursday, Cena-STE emphasized that “in addition to general demands for better wages and against job insecurity, employees insist on resuming dialogue in the negotiations of the Company Agreement, which have long been neglected.”
Responding to inquiries, an official from Teatro Nacional D. Maria II confirmed on Thursday that the suspension—”agreed upon by both theatre administration and unions”—originated last year due to the necessity of thoroughly revising the existing career and salary system. The system, introduced 15 years ago, is now seen as outdated and filled with significant gaps and inconsistencies.
“A detailed study has been launched to develop a new model, with external support and participation across all theatre departments, necessitating an extended period of technical work. This is not the first suspension; there was a previous period requested by unions, which was honored,” the source added, expressing hope that negotiations would resume by June.
Union leader Rui Galveias expressed to Lusa the frustration among national theatre workers, particularly over the suspension of the Company Agreement negotiations, which leaves employees feeling their issues are being ignored.
“The employees’ problem is this frustrating silence and stagnation in the advancement of their rights,” Galveias remarked, citing issues like salary inequality and frozen careers, which are emblematic of broader public sector challenges.
Galveias concluded by noting, “There is no better way to celebrate April 25 than by exercising rights acquired on April 25.”
Conversely, the theatre’s management reiterated in their response to Lusa their commitment to negotiating the Company Agreement, aimed at meaningfully improving the working conditions of the theatre staff, whom they view as defenders of Public Cultural Service.
Closed since January 2023 for renovations expected to be completed early next year, Teatro Nacional D. Maria II has been executing a project titled “Odisseia Nacional,” offering various performances across the country.
Cena-STE has issued a strike notice for April 25 and May 1, affecting workers in the sector.
