The Union of Trade Unions of Porto (USP) denounced this Friday the intention of the company Preh, manufacturer of electrical components in Trofa, of lay off 500 workers with precarious links to reduce losses from the Covid-19 pandemic.
The news was initially disclosed by Jornal de Notícias and confirmed to the Observer by USP coordinator, Tiago Oliveira.
As Tiago Oliveira explained, USP received information from the union structure of the company that Preh decided terminate with 500 of the approximately 750 workers with precarious links who work there, in a universe of about 1,500 workers.
“In addition, the company is imposing on other workers the obligation to take vacations,” said Tiago Oliveira.
According to the union leader, the difficult relations between the union and the company are not new. “The company refuses to speak to the union and our relations are not the best, they are not as close as we would like“, Said Tiago Oliveira.
“At this moment, when everyone expected a different attitude from companies, in order to safeguard jobs, instead of safeguarding workers, they are leaving them practically without support”, added the unionist, noting that Preh is one of the main employers in the municipality of Trofa, district of Porto.
The company is also demanding that employees wear the same protective equipment, including masks, for a week – instead of using new equipment every day, as recommended.
USP has already sent information on this case to the Working Conditions Authority (ACT) to the Directorate-General for Health (DGS).
Tiago Oliveira also criticized the company’s policy by choosing to have more than 700 workers with precarious ties. “When a worker is hired with a precarious link, it is to supply some need, when there is a problem. This is not the case when you have 700 people in these circumstances. ”
The Observer contacted Preh by telephone to obtain clarification on this matter, but received an indication that the company would only respond in writing. To date, the Observer has received no response to questions sent by email.
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