Strike Alert: Hospitality Workers in Madeira to Protest Over Low Wage Increases This New Year

Strike Confirmed in Madeira's Hospitality Sector

The hospitality strike in Madeira is set to proceed as planned. Adolfo Freitas, from the Madeira Hotel Workers' Union, confirmed today the union's call for worker participation and placed responsibility for the strike's consequences squarely on the employers.

Strike Schedule

The strike will commence at midnight on December 30 and conclude at midnight on January 1, coinciding with one of the busiest hotel periods in the region. Despite announcing the strike on December 17, Freitas mentioned that the union has always been open to negotiations with employers.

Employer Proposals and Union Response

Freitas expressed optimism that this year would be easier for negotiations, referring to the sector's increasing profits. He criticized the ACIF’s proposal for a 5.5% raise, which amounts to a minimum increase of 53 euros, stating that it’s inadequate given that many workers currently earning 862 euros would only see their pay rise to 915 euros.

Workers' Mobilization

Labeling these raises as "miserable increases," the strike will feature a gathering of workers at 11 AM on December 30, near the Casino of Madeira, followed by a march towards the Regional Secretariat of Economy, Tourism, and Culture.

Consequences of the Strike

When asked about the impact of the strike on hotels, Freitas stated that hotels are not worried, as they would have acted if they truly valued their workers. He emphasized that any losses incurred during the strike would be the responsibility of the employers. Furthermore, there have been reports of employees facing pressure not to participate in the strike, with some being offered bonuses as incentives to refrain from joining the protest.