Union hopes to reach an agreement with the future Regional Government and news in general

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The National Union of Drivers and Other Workers (SNMOT) has committed to cease strikes until a new Regional Government takes office in Madeira.

The strike this Thursday, March 13, will therefore be the last, until a new regional Executive takes office, revealed to DIÁRIO, the president of SNMOT, Manuel Oliveira.

At stake, explained the trade unionist, is the fact that the Regional Government is in management and has its powers limited, which makes it impossible to change the working conditions of the workers of the company Horários do Funchal – Transportes Públicos, S.A.

Manuel Oliveira met yesterday with the regional secretary for Equipment and Infrastructure, Pedro Fino, and with the Administration of Horários do Funchal, chaired by Alejandro Gonçalves. The trade unionist praises “the openness to be able to evaluate certain workers’ claims” demonstrated during the meeting.

After the early Regional Elections of March 23, the formation of the Regional Government and the respective swearing-in, the SNMOT will request a new meeting with the Madeiran Executive in order to negotiate the demands of the workers of Horários do Funchal. “In the event that there is no concertation, new strikes will be called”, threatens the union official.

The workers of Rodoeste and CAM – Companhia de Autocarros da Madeira are also in struggle, but, in these cases, negotiations are taking place with ACIF-CCIM – Commercial and Industrial Association of Funchal – Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Madeira.

The SNMOT demands the reduction of the weekly working hours from 39 to 35 hours and the rectification of salary updates for 2025, with reference to the difference between the updates already made for 2025 and the update verified for the Minimum Wage of Madeira, whose difference “amounts to about 3.5%”.

If you read the various local news sources much of the news is about the forthcoming elections. I feel it is best to stay impartial on the blog and not post any election materials for any of the different parties. I hope you all agree.