The business association of the islands of São Miguel and Santa Maria has expressed “its concern and total disagreement” with the measure, which it describes as an “experiment in labor modernization,” arguing that it represents “a complete disconnect from the economic and social situation of the Azores.”
“At a time when companies struggle daily with labor shortages, rising costs, and the need to maintain productivity and competitiveness, the Regional Government opts to send the wrong message – that it is possible to work less without consequences while demanding more from the private sector,” the association stated.
The Azorean government plans to implement a pilot project of a four-day workweek in public administration starting in January 2026.
“In November […] the sample of services and workers who will participate in this pilot project will be formed. Thus, the pilot project will start on January 1, 2026, and will last for six months,” announced the President of the Regional Government (PSD/CDS-PP/PPM), José Manuel Bolieiro, on Friday.
According to the executive leader, within the scope of regional public administration, “a commitment has been made to advance with a pilot project of a four-day week, based on an agreement between the worker and employer, in this case between the worker and manager.”
The CCIPD leadership believes the decision “creates an obvious injustice, as it grants privileges to some workers, paid for by all taxpayers, ignoring the difficulties of companies that sustain the regional economy – particularly in tourism, commerce, agriculture, fisheries, and industry, where daily work is indispensable and cannot be interrupted every four days.”
For the business association, the Azores “are neither, nor should they be, a testing ground for measures imported from countries with very different economic and social realities.”
“The countries that have been testing the four-day week have levels of productivity, qualification of human resources, and income far superior to ours. In the Azores, the most foreseeable consequence will be reduced efficiency, increased inequalities, and the demotivation of workers in the private sector and also in the public sector generally,” the association justified.
Additionally, it is “unacceptable that, in a region facing a severe shortage of human resources and with consecutive budget deficits, the State itself decides to reduce the working time of its employees, widening the gap between the public and private sectors,” it added.
For the CCIPD, the Regional Government “should focus on improving the functioning of public services, strengthening human resources where they are lacking, and creating conditions for the growth of the productive sector, rather than promoting symbolic measures that are out of touch with reality.”
“This is neither the time nor the context for social experiments of dubious foundation,” it emphasized.
According to José Manuel Bolieiro, “the goal is to improve the balance between professional, personal, and family life, enhance productivity and well-being, and contribute to the competitiveness of our services, all while strictly complying with applicable legislation.”
Furthermore, the Azorean executive leader stated that “making use of the best international practices,” the pilot project was presented and discussed with unions and senior managers of the regional public administration.
