A new 24-hour Rodoeste drivers’ strike started today which will affect hundreds of people throughout the day.
This protest comes precisely 32 days after a strike called by the National Union of Drivers and Other Workers (SNMOT), which paralysed the lives of many Madeirans on the 12th of March.
This morning, the strike was noticed with dozens of Rodoeste drivers marching through the streets of Funchal, accompanied by the PSP. Unfortunately, judging by the pictures they looked like they were taking an afternoon stroll. Strikers wear slogan-bearing tee-shirts, not their uniforms, and are usually holding banners and placards.
The drivers of Rodoeste want a salary update along the lines of those made by Horarios do Funchal.
“We understand that the responsibilities of these workers are the same as those of HF colleagues. We want equity with regard to the general clause of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and equality in the remuneration part. We are not asking for anything too much. If it was possible for HF, it is also possible for the private sector,” said Manuel Oliveira, from the National Union of Drivers.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
