The Union of Workers in Hospitality, Tourism, Food, Services and Similar Establishments of the Autonomous Region of Madeira has scheduled industrial action on the 30th, 31 of December, and the 1st of January 2025.
However, trade unionist Adolfo Freitas informed reporters that if they reach a consensus with employers for the payment of an additional 75 euros to workers, the strike will be called off.
“To say that we had the best year ever in the history of Tourism, in Madeira, with records of Tourism entry, revenues, profits,” he added, recalling the awards Madeira has won in the tourism sector but regrets that the proposals that the union established with the employers have not had an effect.
Speaking to Rádio Jornal, he said that “it was to be expected that employers would be receptive to proposing dignified and fair wage increase that valued workers. We decided that we would not accept amounts lower than 75 euros for each worker.” However, ACIF only suggests an increase of 53 euros.
“In the first meeting we had, the minimum increase in hotels went from 50 to 51 euros and a meeting was again scheduled for the 11th of December, of which we had approved here a general proposal equal for all of 75 euros. Unfortunately, ACIF countered our demands by agreeing to increase the wage by a further two euros, to 53 euros. Therefore, said Adolfo Freitas, union coordinator, the strike was unanimously approved.
Thus, he says, the strikes should go ahead, and, for the record, he reiterated just because we believe in industrial action does not mean that we are closed to any reasonable negotiation offer.
The Savoy Palace is offering a gala dinner, supper, and selected wines and champagne at €515. Prices vary for other hotels.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
