The Union of Commerce, Offices and Services Workers of Portugal (CESP) has expressed its total disagreement with the extension of working hours in the commerce sector, during the Christmas season.
“Commerce already practices long working hours, so it makes no sense to extend it, further penalizing workers who, in addition to low wages, have excessive working hours and intense work rhythms, which are so harmful to their health, well-being, and family life,” concludes a statement from the Funchal Delegation of the CESP Union.
The same union body recalls that Portugal “is one of the few countries in Europe whose employee’s working hours can be subject to change, and it was with the pandemic, that it was found possible to change and readjust working schedules. In this sense, CESP defends and fights for the right for commercial establishments to close on Sundays and holidays.”
That union said that it will appeal to the ARCT if working hours are extended during the Christmas season, “so that compliance with the law and the CCT, all overtime work is monitored and those working additional hours are paid and have the right to compensatory rest.”
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
