23 November, 2011The General Confederation of Portuguese Workers (CGTP) is calling for a general strike on November 24, to protest against exploitation and impoverishment in Portugal in the wake of the financial crisis, and the demands of the International Monetary Fund and European Central Bank.
PORTUGAL: Workers in Portugal are confronted with an ever more severe austerity programme, unprecedented since the start of democracy in the country. It includes an increase of the weekly working time from 40 to 42,5 hours, cuts of the Christmas allowance for all workers in 2011 and of the holiday allowance for public and state workers - as well as all pensioners - for two years, further cuts in salaries and pensions, tax raises on consumption and work incomes, cuts in unemployment benefits, elimination of the family allowance, closures of public services and cuts in healthcare and education.
In addition, government and employers intend to eliminate core labour rights such as the prohibition of unfair dismissals, the right to collective bargaining, redundancy pay, social protection of the unemployed and working time regulation.
The announced measures risk to plunge the country even deeper in economic recession (the government admits that the economy may shrink by 3 percent in 2012), which increases the debt burden and starts a destructive cycle of austerity policies, recession and higher debt.
The union confederation calls for a different policy, including renegotiation of debts, deadlines and interest rates - to promote growth and jobs, enhancing the productive sector, and pay and pension rises, ensuring the protection and strengthening of the state social duties and public services, valuing work and dignifying the workers.
More information on the CGTP website.