The union said CP train drivers called for a new 24-hour strike next Friday, March 10, with a service minimum of about 30% nationwide.
Speaking to Lusa, António Domingues of the National Union of Portuguese Railway Drivers (SMAQ) explained that the professionals decided to call a full stop on March 10, when the arbitration court ruled 30% of the minimum service.
However, “March 9 and 11 will have restrictions due to the strike on the 10th” and this will lead to train suppression, but the impact “will be reduced”. The decision of the arbitration court also provides for some minimum service for trains these days.
After that, and until March 18, drivers will not perform services that last more than 7.30 hours, which will not have much impact, but should lead to some repression, the union leader stressed.
The arbitral tribunal also ruled that minimum services are necessary for the safety and maintenance of equipment and installations, as well as emergency services and rescue trains.
The SMAQ strike upholds the core principles of the February shutdowns, with train drivers challenging the pay increase proposed by CP and specific issues in their occupational category, such as working conditions and compliance with the agreement with the company.
In February, strikes organized by various Communist Party unions led to the suppression of hundreds of convoys a day.
Author: Portuguese
Source: CM Jornal
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