The firefighters’ strike scheduled for the 15th of March, will no longer take place in the region due to successful negotiations between unions and the Regional Directorate of Labour.
To JMFM, a source from the National Union of Civil Protection also admitted that the strike was called off but explained that the reason for this decision has more to do with the fact that firefighters’ associations are already working below the minimum service levels, and if they have to ensure that a minimum service is available it would be impossible for them to join the general strike.
“There is an act of civility on the part of the operatives. The population is not to blame for not having enough firefighters and it is necessary we have the resources to protect the population.” This, however, was discredited as later on in the article it states that the firefighters will strike due to pay and staffing level disputes.
Whether they strike or not, a demonstration is scheduled for 15:00 on Friday in front of the Madeiran Parliament.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
