This Monday, December 8th, workers at museums and national monuments are carrying out the last strike of the year to work on public holidays, due to a lack of response from the Government, although the union warns that the majority of equipment is closed.
Concierge and surveillance workers at the 38 facilities run by the public company Museus e Monumentos de Portugal (MMP) have been on strike throughout the year, on public holidays, due to the Government’s lack of response to their demands.
Called by the National Federation of Workers’ Unions in Public and Social Functions (FNSTFPS), the strike has closed several museums and monuments across the country, including some of the most visited in Portugal.
This Monday another strike will take place, but the director of the FNSTFPS, Orlando Almeida, warned that, similar to what happened last holiday, December 1st, the effect will not be felt at the level of the museums, which close on Monday.
According to Orlando Monteiro, restrictions are expected on access to some palaces and monuments, namely the same ones that closed on the 1st.
In an assessment of a day of strike that, given the circumstances, was considered “good”, the union leader indicated that the Convent of Christ, the Guimarães Castle and the Paço dos Duques, the Sagres Fortress and the Mafra National Palace were closed. The Ajuda National Palace was partially open.
“We expect the same attendance as we had on the other holiday, the same equipment should close”said Orlando Monteiro, to Lusa.
These workers demand “fair compensation” for work performed on public holidays and dispute the Government’s lack of response to their demands.
The strike, called by the FNSTFPS, has been going on since Easter, in April, but workers had already been on strike for several months in 2024 for the same reason.
According to the union, workers at public museums, monuments and archaeological sites receive less than 20 euros net on public holidays, an amount they consider insufficient and unfair.