The Association of Tax and Customs Inspection Professionals (APIT) has announced that inspectors will join a planned strike this Thursday. In a statement on Sunday, the union expressed concerns about the lack of measures to restore purchasing power and improve working conditions in the proposed State Budget for 2026.
The union claims that the Government and the Tax and Customs Authority (AT) leadership are leaving tax officials in a state of deep dissatisfaction and demotivation. They argue that the budget proposal offers no concrete decisions or proposals to enhance the present and future wellbeing of AT employees, nor does it schedule any negotiation process with the APIT to discuss decisions aimed at dignifying workers.
The strike, organized by the National Federation of Unions of Public and Social Function Workers, is set for October 24, running from midnight to midnight, to demand salary increases, career enhancement, the defense of public services, and the repeal of the Integrated System of Management and Performance Evaluation in Public Administration (SIADAP).
APIT is highlighting six key issues requiring attention. The union points out that the remuneration table remains inadequate despite recent government changes, which fail to rectify injustices faced by AT workers. Additionally, it criticizes SIADAP for lacking motivation, transparency, and fairness, ignoring how AT employees perform their duties.
The union also claims that AT’s human resources are stretched to their capacity, hindering efforts to combat the underground economy. Furthermore, inspectors are reportedly forced to “pay to work” due to low compensation when using personal vehicles for inspections.
APIT contests that inspectors do not receive inspection allowances, risk subsidies, or even mission allowances recognized by law for Criminal Police Authorities. Lastly, the renewal of personnel is deemed ineffective, as experienced workers are leaving without having the chance to pass on their knowledge to newcomers.
AT’s staffing reduction has been acknowledged as a constraint by its director-general. During a conference at the Ministry of Finance on September 23, Helena Borges noted a 14% decrease in resources compared to a decade ago, equating to 1,400 fewer employees, which necessitates clear priorities for the institution.
In addition to APIT, the Tax Workers Union (STI), the largest body representing tax professionals, supports the motives behind the strike. Although the STI did not issue a prior strike notice, a communication to members on October 15 clarified that all public administration workers are included in the strike.
