Union Celebrates 49th Anniversary Recalling April 18, 1977 Worker Protests
A workers’ union marked its 49th anniversary on April 18 with a full house and a strong focus on its historical role in defending labour rights. The event looked back to April 18, 1977, when workers took to the streets to demand better conditions and secure rights that still shape today’s labour system.
Speakers said many of the protections now taken for granted came from those protests. They also pointed to a current collective labour agreement as a result of years of organised effort, built on the actions of workers who “had nothing and came to the streets to fight without fear.”
Coordinator Warns of Declining Union Participation Among Workers Today
Despite the anniversary tone, union leaders expressed concern about falling engagement. According to the union coordinator, many workers today do not see the value of joining or supporting unions, partly because they already benefit from past gains.
This shift, he suggested, risks weakening collective action at a time when new challenges are emerging in the labour market.
PSD Proposal Described as Largest Labour Setback Since April 25, 1974
Adolfo Freitas, a union coordinator, strongly criticised proposed changes to Portugal’s Labour Code linked to the Social Democratic Party (PSD). He described the plan as “the biggest social setback in labour legislation since April 25,” referring to the democratic revolution of 1974.
His remarks connect current policy debates to a longer history of labour rights in Portugal, suggesting that recent proposals could undo decades of progress.
Proposed “Bank of Hours” and Contract Changes Raise Legal Concerns
Freitas outlined several key concerns about the proposed reforms. He said the introduction of a “bank of hours” system could lead to unpaid extra work. He also warned about possible changes to collective labour agreements, which he described as historic achievements now under threat.
They want to impose a bank of hours that we do not accept. Workers working for free.
Adolfo Freitas, RTP Madeira
He added that proposed rules on dismissals could allow employers to decide whether a dismissed worker is reinstated or compensated, raising concerns about fairness and legal protections.
Union Cites Article 53 of Constitution in Warning on Dismissals
The union argues that some of the proposed changes may conflict with Article 53 of the Portuguese Constitution, which protects job security and limits unfair dismissal.
Freitas said the reforms could weaken this principle by giving employers greater control over dismissal outcomes, a shift he views as a serious legal and social risk.
Union Reports 40 Workers Made Permanent in Past Year
Amid the criticism, the union also highlighted recent results from its work. It reported that 40 workers secured permanent contracts over the past year through union action.
At the same time, leaders warned about ongoing issues, including illegal contracts and violations of labour law. They called for stronger mobilisation and greater participation in union activities, especially as economic uncertainty linked to global tensions continues to affect regions like Madeira, where tourism plays a central role.
Source: RTP Madeira
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