The government protects workers’ representatives in the administration of large companies

The Minister of Labor, Ana Méndez Godinho, defended this Saturday at the anniversary conference dedicated to the 45th anniversary of the trade union center UGT, the creation of “mechanisms for the inclusion” of workers’ representatives in the administration of large companies.

“There are always new challenges ahead and at this time, as we celebrate our 50th anniversary on April 25, we need to take further steps in this democratization of the workplace,” the minister said at the closing session of the event in Lisbon. , advocating “the possibility of finding mechanisms to include workers’ representatives in the management of large companies.”

The Minister of Labour, Solidarity and Social Security also recalled that in order for this to “happen”, it is necessary to ensure “social dialogue”.

“And the instrument must be [feito] through trade unions, negotiations and IRCT – Instrument for Collective Labor Regulation,” the government official emphasized.

In her speech at the conference “Social Cohesion in Portugal and the role of the UGT”, Ana Mendes Godinho also mentioned that the number of IRCTs increased by 54% during 2023, which was due to “measures taken by the government” within the scope of the Revenue Agreement “positively discriminates” against companies that engage in “active social dialogue.”

“Active social dialogue is democracy in the workplace. This is something we need to increasingly encourage, because it is also the way to make companies more competitive,” he said.

“Workers with more rights are better workers. These are workers who participate and increase the competitiveness and growth of companies,” the minister emphasized.

For his part, UGT Secretary General Mario Muran stated that the UGT is a “multidisciplinary trade union federation”, a defender of “reformist trade union movement”, “participation”, “offer” and that it defends a development model of the economic and social framework based on “social dialogue” and negotiations.”

The union leader also believes that social consultation “is the basis for cohesion,” a “climate of social peace,” and “more effective” policy implementation.

The book dedicated to the 45th anniversary of the trade union center was presented at the conference, “The Social Concert in Portugal and the Papel da VGT”, written by Cristina Rodrigues, researcher and coordinator of the Unemployment and Social Security Appeal Committee João Freire, researcher, former naval officer, now a full member of the Naval Academy.

Carlos Moedas, President of the Lisbon City Council, Francisco Assis, President of the Economic and Social Council (CES) and Lucinda Damaso, President of the UGT, attended the opening of the conference.

Luis Filipe Pereira, former president of the CES, João Proença, former secretary general of the UGT, commented on the study by the authors of the book “Social Cohesion”.

The ceremonial event was closed by the Minister of Labor and the Secretary General of the UGT.