The union has expressed strong opposition, stating that the proposed changes represent “a huge setback in workers’ rights” and fail to address their needs or the realities of the labor market.
“The Government’s proposal to amend Labor Laws is so severe for workers that it has earned a ‘Resounding No’ from UGT, a stance that MAIS Sindicato supports, urging bank employees to participate in the general strike,” it adds.
The union body linked to UGT emphasizes that bank employees already face “a difficult employment situation” due to automation and the introduction of Artificial Intelligence in the sector, warning that the labor reform “opens the door to more unemployment, easily and cheaply.”
Among the most concerning measures, the union highlights changes to collective bargaining, such as facilitating the expiration of collective agreements, shortening the survival period, and eliminating mandatory arbitration, stating that “collective bargaining itself is at risk.”
Regarding unfair dismissal, it criticizes the possibility of companies avoiding reinstatement by claiming “serious disturbance,” the requirement of a guarantee for reinstatement requests after collective dismissal, and the reintroduction of waiver by remission at “the worker’s most vulnerable moment.”
The union also points out risks in hiring and job stability, warning that “if the duration of fixed-term contracts is facilitated or extended, banks may increasingly resort to non-permanent contracts for roles that were previously more stable.”
On outsourcing, it notes that the proposal removes the protection that prevents companies from resorting to external services in the 12 months following dismissals, considering that workers lose protection “against unjustified dismissals made solely for profit.”
The statement also mentions risks of increased unpredictability of working hours with instruments such as time banks or group agreements, especially in activities like digital operations or 24-hour service, and warns that changes in remote work could have a significant impact on the sector.
“In the banking sector, many functions (BackOffice, compliance, technology) are already hybrid or remote,” it recalls.
“MAIS Sindicato, as the largest Union in the Financial Sector, supports UGT and condemns these measures, which further worsen labor relations,” it concludes.
