Following a statement issued by the National Union of Drivers and Other Workers (SNMOT), the Regional Secretariat for Equipment and Infrastructures (SREI) came this Tuesday to publicly clarify the position of the Regional Government regarding the labour situation in the transport sector.
In the SNMOT note released on Friday, the 25th of July, the union announced its intention to request an urgent meeting with the secretary of tutelage to discuss the demands of the workers of the company Horários do Funchal, criticizing the company’s management.
This Tuesday, in a note sent to the newsrooms, the President of Madeira underlined that the Board of Directors of the company Horários do Funchal was legitimately appointed in the full exercise of the competences of the Regional Government, and is fully mandated to exercise functions with autonomy and responsibility. The Secretariat also highlights the high rigor, competence, and strategic sense of the company’s management, ensuring the continuity of public service, internal stability, and the fulfillment of obligations to workers and the population. Therefore, the Regional Government maintains full confidence in the decisions of the administration.
SREI also reaffirms its availability for dialogue with union structures of collective public transport companies operating in the Autonomous Region of Madeira – namely Horários do Funchal, SIGA Rodoeste, and CAM – arguing that constructive dialogue is the most appropriate way to build balanced and lasting solutions.
At the same time, the Regional Government assures that it is committed to the “implementation of concrete and effective solutions” aimed at the continuous improvement of the working conditions of Horários do Funchal workers and professionals from private operators. This commitment reflects SREI’s priority in ensuring a dignified, safe, and valuable work environment.
However, SREI accuses SNMOT of maintaining an inflexible stance, recalling that a salary increase has already been granted this year, higher than inflation, and as stipulated in the Company Agreement.
The Regional Government also criticizes the repeated use of strikes as a means of pressure, as well as the use of inappropriate and offensive terms directed at the President of the Regional Government and the Regional Secretary for Equipment and Infrastructures, considering that such attitudes harm the business environment and institutional relationships.
Faced with this scenario, the SREI informs that, from this moment on, all negotiations with the SNMOT will be conducted exclusively through official channels, requiring that union proposals be presented in writing and duly substantiated.
Well, Miguel Albuquerque did tell SNMOT that he wouldn’t be threatened or bullied into giving in to their demands.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
