Maritime Police officers and Nature Wardens are seeking a way of preventing the National Maritime Authority (AMN) from forcing them to work 21 consecutive days on Selvagem Grande, as well as claiming that they are treated abominably, and forced to sleep on the floor of the Navy vessels for two nights during their voyage between the island and Madeira and vice versa. Furthermore, those stationed on the islands are effectively on duty 24 hours a day, and many believe that it is illegal to compel someone to work for 2 weeks non-stop, let alone 21 days!
The Association of Professional Members of the Maritime Police (ASPPM) and the Union of Workers in Public and Social Functions of the South and Autonomous Regions, have filed a precautionary measure against the National Maritime Authority at the Administrative and Tax Court of Funchal, which is lead by Admiral Gouveia e Melo.
“Until now, two Maritime police officers and and two nature guards, in addition to Navy personnel are stationed on Selvagem Grande island for 15 consecutive days and are effectively on duty 24 hours a day. However, this has changed due to economical measures, and all those seconded to the island are now required to be on active duty for 21 days, with the Commander of the Regional Police of the Maritime Police, stating that an increase of almost 50% has no significant impact on personnel working there – a bit like Pedro Ramos stating that waiting four hours in an ambulance before being admitted into A & E is of little consequence!
Small wonder they are upset!
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
