Communication Now Limited to Official Channels
The Government of Madeira has stopped all face-to-face meetings with the National Union of Drivers and Other Workers (SNMOT). regarding their fight for more decent wages and working conditions. Officials say, they will only consider written proposals sent through official channels and properly explained.
The SNMOT has maintained an inflexible position, which, despite the salary increase already granted this year—above the inflation rate and in accordance with the Company Agreement—has not shown genuine openness to negotiations, repeatedly using strikes as a means of pressure.
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From this moment on, all negotiations with the Union will be conducted exclusively through official channels, and the respective proposals must be presented in writing and duly founded
Regional Secretariat for Equipment and Infrastructure, Diário de NotĂcias Madeira
The decision follows SNMOT’s recent request for an urgent meeting to discuss worker demands at Horários do Funchal (HF), the public bus company. The government criticized the union's “inflexible” approach and repeated use of strikes, despite a recent salary increase above inflation.
Tensions Over Union Statements
In a press release, SNMOT accused HF leaders of pretending not to know the union’s demands, calling it a show of “disrespect.” The government responded, saying the union used offensive language that harmed the negotiation process and institutional relations.
In a press release, as a summary of the meeting held the day before with representatives of HF management, the union stated that they had "the nerve and the shamelessness to ask SNMOT what the demands of the Union/Workers were, as if they didn’t know perfectly well what those demands are, in a clear show of mockery toward the workers.
Support for Company Leadership
Secretary Pedro Rodrigues defended HF’s management, saying the board was “legitimately appointed” and is trusted to act independently. The government said it remains open to dialogue with other unions in the public transport sector, as long as it is respectful and constructive.
Current Monthly Salary of Bus Drivers in Madeira
The 2025 salary includes the following:
Base salary: €1,054.30
Single agent bonus*: €225.00
Absence bonus: €42.00
Seniority (5 levels): €100.00
Food allowance: €176.00
Total: €1,597.30 (gross)
*The "Single Agent" bonus (€225.00) - in Portuguese "Agente Único" -refers to a specific payment made to workers who perform multiple tasks alone, usually without assistance from another crew member.
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