About 60 people marched in Funchal on Saturday against the rising cost of living. They demanded higher wages and better working conditions for all workers.
Unions Lead the March
The protest was organised by the CGTP-IN union confederation. Protests were also planned in several other regions of Portugal.
In Funchal, most marchers were union members and leaders linked to the CGTP. They walked along some of the main streets of the Madeiran capital.
They chanted "the cost of living goes up, the people can't take it". Their banners called for higher pay and a 35-hour working week for everyone.
Housing, Food and Fuel
Alexandre Fernandes coordinates the Union of Trade Unions of Madeira (USAM). He said workers struggle most with the cost of housing, food and fuel.
"Workers today are at an impasse, there is more month left at the end of the salary, the prospects of pay rises are naturally not enough to deal with this whole issue."
Alexandre Fernandes, coordinator of the Union of Trade Unions of Madeira (USAM)
A general strike is not planned for now, Fernandes said. But it could happen if there are reasons for it.
The CGTP will hold a large day of protest at Portugal's parliament on 24 November. It comes after the detailed debate on the State Budget.
Few People Outside the Unions
Fernandes said it is nothing new that mostly union members take part. He called it "a characteristic of the island people", who prefer to mobilise for other causes.
Source: jn.pt
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