Minimum Services During Strike

In Search of Hope – by Sam Gannon

Seconded to the parish of Tililngdon, the Reverend Dolores has been presented with a challenge.

She’s living in an antiquated house and she’s cold. Furthermore, her new Bishop, Bishop Alice does not approve of ‘showgirls in dog collars.’

Determined to prove the Bishop wrong, she sets about warming her house – who cares if it smells of horse! There is the crochet club, jumble sale, and soup run to organise. And this year, the church bells will ring, no matter what threats are made. Even more so, the newly formed choir will spread a little joy this Christmas, even though they can’t sing – yet! And with a little help from Phil, her bassist, this year could be full of magic.

However, she has a fight on her hands as the townies out in Knob Hill – she must stop calling it that, are trying to stop her from ringing her bells. When Krystal with a K decides to do some volunteer work, Dolores sets out to see just how committed she really is.

Up to her ears in granny squares and squawking choristers, Dolores is revving up for Christmas, yet a deeper darker secret is beginning to emerge!

A secret that could blow the whole parish apart and put Dolores in danger.

(available from Amazon)

The president of the Regional Government of Madeira, Miguel Albuquerque, commented on the general strike scheduled for the 11th of December, after the official turning on of the Christmas lights, highlighting the need to guarantee minimum services in the Region.

According to the leader of the executive, this week, during the visit of the Minister of Infrastructure and Housing of Portugal, Miguel Pinto Luz, it was assured that essential services will be maintained, with “all the conditions to maintain the minimum services ensured for the Region, which is fundamental because of supplies.”

The president stressed that only in extreme cases will it be necessary to requisition workers.

Regarding the labour reform proposal under discussion in Parliament, Miguel Albuquerque considered that the debate is “very polarised” and stressed that the amendment of the laws aims at “greater flexibility and adaptation of companies and economic agents to the 21st century.”

He also stressed that “Portugal is experiencing a different situation from the industrial revolution and that it is necessary to adapt labour legislation and worker protection mechanisms to the reality of today’s world.”

Madeira’s slaughterhouse has started a 22-day strike as of today, and believes that they will only be able to supply 50% of the island’s requirement during this time.

Samantha Gannon

info at madeira-weekly.com

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