National Railway Workers' Union Calls for General Strike
The National Union of Railway Drivers (Smaq) has announced a general strike set for December 6, which is expected to affect services from CP, IP, Fertagus, Metro Sul do Tejo, ViaPorto, Captrain, and Medway. This strike aims to uphold rail safety, and the dignity and respect for drivers, emphasizing that strikes are not just about better working conditions and salaries but also about defending professional honor.
Reaction to Minister's Remarks
Smaq expressed strong disapproval of the Minister of the Presidency, Leitão Amaro, following his announcement of new sanctions related to alcohol consumption among railway professionals. The minister stated that Portugal has the second-worst performance in terms of railway accidents per kilometer, proposing legislation to prohibit driving under the influence of alcohol. He noted that Portugal's lenient approach to penalties is paradoxical given its poor safety record.
Union’s Indignation
In response, Smaq sent a letter to the minister expressing profound indignation over the handling of safety issues, particularly the unfounded link between Portugal's poor safety rankings and drivers' alcohol levels. Despite requests for clarification, the union has yet to receive a response, which they claim worsens the disrespect towards drivers, who undergo rigorous medical, psychological, and operational scrutiny.
Striving for Better Safety Conditions
The union states that the goal of the strike is to protect railway professionals and demand adequate safety conditions for their work. They argue that the minister's comments suggesting a connection between allowable alcohol levels and poor safety performance are false and disrespectful. The current limit of 0.20g/l is considered low and widely accepted, with no recorded railway accidents attributed to alcohol consumption.
Key Demands from Smaq
Smaq outlined several key demands, including:
- Closing the most dangerous level crossings, which account for 38% of significant accidents.
- Ensuring that platforms at renovated stations meet operational needs, which are often neglected by IP, leading to operational difficulties and passenger safety concerns.
- Addressing the obsolete materials used by CP and the communication failures between trains and control centers.
- Tackling the deplorable state of Metro Sul do Tejo's rolling stock and the shortage of spare parts.
- Resolving frequent signaling issues and chronic overcrowding on Fertagus trains during peak hours.
A report from IMT indicates that Portugal recorded 29 significant accidents last year, primarily due to factors unrelated to driving.
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