The trade union doubts the “hasty” privatization of TAR

The Aviation and Airport Workers’ Union (Sitava) this Wednesday questioned the government’s “haste” in pushing ahead with the privatization of TAP, saying it “sees no reason” for such a decision, according to a released statement.

In the note, which follows statements made by the prime minister in parliament on Tuesday in which he acknowledged total privatization, Sitava said he was surprised by what Antonio Costa had said.

“As a result of the restructuring plan, TAP is now a public company and, despite all the prejudices that some ideological movements have towards public companies, it is fully demonstrated that this is not a circumstance that prevents it from growing and delivering results. positive results both in the 2022 financial year and in the first half of this year,” Sitava defended.

Thus, “no matter how much we try to understand the government’s position, we cannot see any reason or even any economic justification for this decision,” he stressed, adding that “the restructuring plan does not impose anything like that.” .

According to Sitava, “TAP workers are still living through the consequences of the darkest times of their lives,” remembering “the impact of the pandemic on the company and what led to job destruction and reduced income for workers with cruel and unfair wages.” cuts.”

“It is also very difficult for us to forget the abuse and ill-treatment that certain currents within our party-political spectrum inflicted on the company and its workers in relation to the CPI (Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry),” he stressed.

Despite this, he stressed that “workers have been the main players in the recovery of TAP, which now allows government officials to declare that the products sold are of good quality,” questioning the reasons for moving forward with the sale of the company.

“This is not about being against or in favor of another privatization process, it is important to know what the advantages of one or another option are,” he said.

“What we know clearly to this day – and even with numbers – is that the three previous trials damaged TAP, which entailed gigantic losses for everyone,” assured Sitava, asking: “But why the rush? ?”.

On Tuesday, the Prime Minister raised the possibility of privatizing the entire capital of TAP, among various scenarios, although the amount has not yet been determined and will depend on the chosen partner.

Responding to Bloc de Esquerda parliamentary leader Pedro Filipe Soares during the debate over Chega’s vote of no confidence in the government, Costa said the amount of TAP that will be privatized “will definitely change” depending on the private partner that will be privatized. selected.

“Contrary to what you say, we are not going to sell to any individual. We will only privatize and sell part or all of the capital, taking into account the protection of the interests of the company, Portugal and the Portuguese.” , He said.