A labor dispute involving approximately 400 workers from a factory in Vendas Novas, Évora, is unfolding as employees demand better wages. The factory, specializing in automotive seat cover production, predominantly pays its workers the national minimum wage, according to union representatives.
“The workers initially demanded a 150 euro increase, but the company declined and is only willing to apply the increase set by the clothing sector’s wage table,” stated Cristina Pereira, a leader of the SINTEVECC Sul union.
Pereira emphasized that workers are experiencing significant challenges in coping with the rising cost of living, particularly in housing and food prices.
The union accuses the company of refusing to negotiate the set of demands presented by the workers, highlighting a state of “labor poverty” and urging ANIVEC-APIV to recommend that the company engage in negotiations.
“The clothing sector continues to pay wages very close to the national minimum, undermining professions and the dignity of work in this economically vital sector,” the union stated in a communiqué.
The presentation of a petition is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday at the ANIVEC-APIV headquarters on Avenida da Boavista, Porto.
