The general secretary of UGT, Mário Mourão, criticized this Thursday, November 27th, the position of the holder of the Labor portfolio, classifying it as a mere “technique” devoid of vocation for social dialogue, although he guarantees that the union center will not abandon the negotiations.
“Madam Minister [do Trabalho] It’s a technique. There is no way to create an environment and negotiating climate, but that does not mean that UGT will not continue at the table”, stated Mário Mourão, quoted by Lusa.
The union leader was speaking on the sidelines of the debate “The reasons for facing labor counter-reform”, promoted by the Associação Causa Pública, in Lisbon. For UGT, the governor’s lack of negotiating profile does not prevent the attempt at dialogue, but the union leader emphasizes that “very serious situations” are at stake in the Government’s draft law, which will have a direct impact on the lives of workers.
Despite the criticism, UGT and CGTP maintain the call for a General Strike for December 11th. In reaction, the Minister of Labor, who in an interview with RTP classified the strike as “a harmful institute” and “untimely”, was convinced that the protest will move forward.
Mário Mourão confirmed to Lusa that, after a “very constructive” hearing in São Bento with the Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, and the minister, the strike is to be continued, hoping for “quite significant” support to give the unions negotiating strength.
Insufficient concessions
After the strike was announced, the ministry submitted a new proposal to UGT. The document compromises on restoring the three days of vacation abolished during the ‘troika’ and simplifying layoffs in medium-sized companies, but maintains red lines for unions, such as the return of the individual time bank and the lifting of restrictions on ‘outsourcing’ after layoffs.
For UGT, these changes are “too little” to cancel the protest, leaving the strike as an “opportunity” for when dialogue fails.