The payment for 47 workers at the Lajes Air Base in the Azores, a U.S. military facility, has been processed, with 15 cases still under evaluation, stated Paula Terra on Friday. Social Security appointments were scheduled for the day.
Portuguese workers at the Lajes Base, located on Terceira Island in the Azores and employed by USFORAZORES, are awaiting nearly two and a half weeks of overdue wages. This delay is a consequence of a 43-day U.S. government shutdown.
Out of approximately 430 employees, 363 have not received their salaries. Workers, unions, the Azorean Regional Government, and political parties urged the national government to advance payments, similar to measures taken in Spain and Germany, as the base operates under a U.S.-Portugal cooperation agreement.
The Azorean government decided to front the payments through the Azorean Social Security Institute (ISSA), permitted to borrow up to 1.2 million euros, with the Republic’s government covering the banking costs.
Workers must repay the advances within 10 business days after receiving U.S. administration payments.
Paula Terra mentioned that uptake of the payment mechanism was lower than anticipated, possibly due to a U.S. Senate agreement to extend the federal budget until the end of January.
“The extent of participation in this measure fell slightly short of expectations, likely influenced by the U.S. announcement of a ‘shutdown’ pause until January 30,” she explained.
The legislation ending the shutdown was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives and signed by President Donald Trump on Thursday, yet Lajes workers remain uncertain when overdue salaries will be dispensed.
Workers have inquired about payment updates from the base commander, who reported no new information. Predictions suggest a two-week wait, though no official confirmation exists,” Terra noted.
“Should payment updates indicate all arrears will be addressed in the next cycle, the need to access interim measures diminishes. Delays could prompt more workers to seek financial support,” she added.
The bipartisan U.S. agreement only ensures a federal budget extension until January 30, raising concerns among Lajes workers about another potential shutdown post-February 1.
“Our fear is that a new shutdown post-February 1 would leave us without wages, duration unknown,” stated the CRT president.
Paula Terra conveyed uncertainty whether salary advances would be available if future shutdowns occur.
The workers viewed the recent solution positively. “The process was seamless. Workers approached Social Security with no need for tokens; a dedicated staff member assisted them efficiently. Payments adhered to the promised two to three-day timeline, reflecting commendable service,” concluded the CRT president.
