Massive Tax Workers Meeting Disrupts Finance Services Across Portugal

Overview

On Tuesday morning, numerous Finance services across Portugal had to close temporarily due to a general meeting of employees from the Tax and Customs Authority (AT), held via videoconference. The meeting began at 9 AM and was expected to last until 1 PM.

Participation

Organized by the Tax Workers Union (STI), the meeting aimed to address the concerns of tax professionals and discuss the demands for the upcoming year. By noon, around 4,000 participants had logged in from all over the country, leading to significant disruptions in various offices, according to union sources.

Office Closures

According to a preliminary list compiled by the STI, nearly 60 offices were closed due to employee participation in the union action. While some employees remained in the offices, they were unable to assist the public as they were engaged in the online meeting, either in groups or through their work devices. In other locations, services remained open but operated at reduced capacity, with only a few employees available to assist citizens.

Key Demands

The demands presented for discussion included 18 points, emphasizing the need for the AT to strengthen its workforce, improve job recognition, and enhance career prospects. The union argues that these changes are crucial for effectively combating tax fraud, economic crime, and the underground economy.

Among the primary demands are:

• Salary increases that reflect the essential functions of state workers in tax collection.
• A call for 10% annual raises starting January 1, 2025, to ensure that tax workers do not fall behind compared to other sectors.
• The establishment of a special career path for AT leaders, with salaries comparable to high-ranking officials in other state authorities.

Conclusion

The union insists that the financial and operational challenges faced by tax workers must be addressed promptly to uphold the integrity of the public service and maintain effective revenue collection for the state.