The general strike in Madeira has brought together hundreds of workers in Madeira, an adhesion that Maria José Afonseca, union leader, considers unusual in the Region, but reveals the “deep concern with the setback of labour rights” provided for in the legislative package under discussion.
According to the unionist, ten unions from various sectors are involved, with many workers joining even without being present at the demonstration. “There are many who are not here, but they are on strike. Some started during the night,” she said, stressing that, in several places, the adhesion “exceeded expectations.”
Maria José Afonseca points out that workers recognise the importance of the moment and “the need to intervene and give voice to the struggle,” both those who have already experienced periods of loss of rights in the past, and those who anticipate negative impacts if the labour package moves forward. The leader says that the objective is clear: “Our fight is that the diploma does not even reach the Assembly,” although she admits that, if it gets that far, it is very likely that it will be approved.
Among the adherents, there are workers from sectors traditionally associated with minimum services, such as security guards and port workers, whose participation was surprising due to its size. Asked if this mobilisation could stop the labour package, Maria José Fonseca says she hopes that the Regional Government, PSD/CDS, “will be ashamed.” It also reinforces the position of the CGTP, according to which the package “has nothing good for the workers” and should, therefore, be withdrawn.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
