Almada,Portugal is bracing for a major demonstration on December 6th as workers from three key municipal entities – the Almada City Council (CMA),SMAS Almada,and WeMob – unite in a powerful show of solidarity. The protest, scheduled to begin at 9:15 am, aims to pressure the municipality into addressing a range of pressing concerns.
The demonstration will kick off near the statue of Fernão Mendes Pinto in Pragal, with SMAS workers marching towards the bank roundabout in Almada. There, they will be joined by CMA workers at 9:50 am. The procession will then continue to the underground parking lot on Rua capitão Leitão, where WeMob workers will converge, before culminating in a final march to City Hall.
At the heart of the protest are demands for “increased salaries” and “real career negotiation” at WeMob. Workers are also calling for the “application of the Management Option,” improved “working conditions,” and the ”application of the Harmful and Unhealthy Supplement,” including the recognition of the value of the public water service and a halt to its privatization.
““It is not acceptable for a City Council Executive, faced with countless letters from STAL, to say nothing; upon presentation of a document for the assumption of commitment in relation to the SMAS of Almada, say nothing about its acceptance or rejection; or even the definition of salary updates at WEMOB without real negotiation and dialog with STAL,” the union stated.
“December 6th will be a day with at least three fights, which together will be just one.”
The union,representing workers from all three entities,has also demanded the “reinforcement of personnel and reduction of the private burden on the public service,” the “end of versatility in schools,” the “restitution of social support rights in cafeterias,occupational health services and daycare centers,” and “kindergarten for workers’ children.”
Adding to the urgency of the situation, STAL requested a meeting with the CMA presidency on December 2nd, but as of yet, has received no response.This lack of communication further fuels the workers’ frustration and determination to make their voices heard.
the December 6th demonstration promises to be a significant event, highlighting the growing discontent among Almada’s municipal workers and their unwavering commitment to securing fair treatment and improved working conditions.
Almada,Portugal is facing a growing wave of discontent among municipal workers,culminating in a recent protest march that brought hundreds to the streets. The demonstration, organized by the National Union of Workers in Local and Regional Governance, Public Companies, Concessionaires and Related Companies (SNTRAL), highlighted a range of grievances, including stalled negotiations over a management option for the city’s children’s gardens and concerns about the future of public services.
“We are here to demand answers from the City Hall,” declared a union representative during the march.“The situation is unsustainable, and we will not back down until our demands are met.”
At the heart of the dispute lies the proposed management option for Almada’s children’s gardens. Workers fear that privatization could lead to job losses and a decline in the quality of care provided. The union is calling for a transparent and inclusive dialogue with the City Hall to find a solution that safeguards both employment and the well-being of children.
adding to the tension is the ongoing struggle for a distress and unhealthiness supplement for municipal workers. The union argues that these workers are exposed to hazardous conditions and deserve fair compensation. Negotiations on this issue have also reached an impasse, further fueling worker frustration.
The protest march served as a stark reminder of the challenges facing public services in Portugal. As municipalities grapple with budget constraints and changing social needs, finding a balance between fiscal responsibility and the well-being of workers and citizens remains a delicate task.
The outcome of the negotiations between the SNTRAL and the Almada City Hall will have significant implications for the future of public services in the region. The union’s determination to secure fair treatment for its members suggests that the fight for better working conditions and the preservation of vital public services is far from over.
## Almada Braces for Massive Worker Exhibition: A Conversation with STAL Representative
**World Today News:** As Almada prepares for a major demonstration on december 6th, we reached out to STAL, teh union representing workers from CMA, SMAS Almada and WeMob, to better understand the issues at stake.
**World Today News:** Can you give our readers a glimpse into the concerns driving this large-scale protest?
**STAL Representative:** Absolutely. This demonstration is a culmination of mounting frustration and a desperate plea for the Almada City Council to address a long list of pressing issues affecting the workers in our city.
Firstly, we demand **fair compensation** for the vital work our members do. This means **increased salaries** reflected in WeMob’s wages and the submission of the **Management Option** with obvious negotiation.
secondly, we’re demanding **improved working conditions** across all three entities. This includes recognizing the value of public water services and halting thier privatization through the application of the **Harmful and Unhealthy Supplement.**
Thirdly, we demand **respect and open dialog**. The CMA presidency’s silence on our requests for meetings and updates on key issues like salary updates and SMAS commitments is unacceptable.
**World today News:**
The wording in your press release, “December 6th will be a day with at least three fights, which together will be just one,” is powerful. Can you elaborate on the importance of this statement?
**STAL representative:**
It signifies the united front we’re presenting. While our concerns are specific to each entity – CMA, SMAS, and WeMob – they are fundamentally interconnected.We are all fighting for revitalized public services, respect for workers’ rights, and fair treatment. This demonstration is a show of solidarity, showing that our struggles are intertwined.
**World Today News:**
We understand that you requested a meeting with the CMA presidency on December 2nd. What is your expectation from this meeting, and what happens if your request is ignored?
**STAL Representative:**
We hope for an open and constructive dialogue where our concerns are heard and addressed seriously. We need to see a commitment from the CMA presidency to engage in meaningful negotiations regarding salary agreements, working conditions, and the future of our public services. Continued silence will only fuel the protest and demonstrate a disregard for the essential workers who contribute so much to this city.
**World Today News:**
The demonstration is swiftly approaching. What is your message to the people of almada?
**STAL Representative:**
We urge the people of Almada to understand the gravity of the situation. The erosion of public services, unfair treatment of workers, and lack of openness from the CMA presidency directly affects our entire community. We ask for your support and understanding as we fight for a better Almada for everyone.
**World Today News:**
Thank you for your insights. We will be closely following the developments of this demonstration and its aftermath.
