The Union of Workers in Entertainment, Audiovisual and Musicians (Cena-STE) issued a brief statement this morning, highlighting demands beyond general calls for better wages and against job insecurity. Workers are insisting on the importance of resuming dialogue in the context of negotiating the Company Agreement, a process that has long been abandoned.
Responding to inquiries, an official from the Teatro Nacional D. Maria II stated that the suspension, agreed upon between the theater’s administration and unions, dates back to the previous year. This pause was due to the necessity of extensively revising the existing career and remuneration system. Fifteen years after its implementation, the system has become largely detached from the theater’s reality, featuring significant gaps and inconsistencies that render simple updates inadequate.
“To address this, a thorough study aimed at developing a new model is underway, with external support and participation from all theater departments. This requires an extended period of technical work. This negotiation process suspension is not unprecedented, as there was a prior period requested by the unions, which was adhered to,” added the same source, expressing hope that negotiations might resume by June.
Cena-STE has announced a strike notice for April 25 and May 1, targeting workers in the sector.
In comments to Lusa, union leader Rui Galveias elucidated the frustration among the workers of this national theater. The suspension of the Company Agreement negotiations has left them feeling their concerns go unaddressed.
“The workers’ issue is indeed this frustrating silence and halt in the advancement of their rights,” said Galveias, highlighting cases of wage disparity and frozen careers among other issues akin to those faced by the public sector.
The unionist concluded by stating, “There is no better occasion than April 25 to exercise rights acquired on April 25.”
Conversely, the theater’s administration reiterated its commitment to negotiating the Company Agreement aimed at significantly improving the working conditions for the theater’s team, which it regards as a bastion for championing the Public Culture Service.
Since January 2023, the Teatro Nacional D. Maria II has been closed for renovations scheduled to conclude early next year. In the interim, it has embarked on the “Odisseia Nacional” project, showcasing a series of performances across the country.
This Friday, with a repeat on Saturday, the Colosseum of Lisbon is set to host the theatrical concert “Quis Saber Quem Sou,” helmed by D. Maria II’s Artistic Director, Pedro Penim.
An official spokesperson for the national theater noted that only on the day of the event will it be clear whether the performance can proceed: “Should the performance need to be canceled due to issues, the public will be promptly informed.”
