Trade union leader Joana de Jesus has stated that Solverde has ceased applying the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CCT) made with the employers’ association APHORT. They have now adopted the CCT established between the Portuguese Hotels Association (AHP) and the UGT union, resulting in the removal of rights and benefits for employees.
Due to this change, employees no longer advance in their careers, do not receive increments for long service, and the language bonus is not properly updated. The company maintains low salaries, continues to pay 100% on holidays, while at the casino, following 22 days of strikes, holiday pay was increased to 200%.
Workers, some with 20 years of service, continue to earn only the national minimum wage despite the union’s efforts, who have brought the company to the Ministry of Labor, where negotiations are ongoing.
The next negotiation meeting is scheduled for August 12 in Porto.
According to the union, Solverde has refused to negotiate wage increases since 2009, a 16-year streak.
“So far, the company has only expressed willingness to update the meal allowance,” said Joana de Jesus.
The union and some employees distributed leaflets to Hotel Casino Chaves guests, who pay “200 or 300 euros” per night, to inform them about the working conditions imposed on the staff.
Joana de Jesus added that “the number of guests, overnight stays, and revenues have significantly increased in recent years in the hospitality sector. Room and restaurant prices have doubled, yet salaries have stagnated. The employers have largely pocketed the profits.”
The protest also aimed to highlight that the government has yet to initiate the public tender for the Vidago Gaming Zone in Chaves, which is “an important factor for the tourism development of Trás-os-Montes,” leaving workers concerned about the future of their jobs.
This action by the Hotel and Tourism Workers Union is part of the “fortnight of struggle” that began in Porto and continues on Wednesday in Braga.
