CP — Comboios de Portugal announced on Thursday that it had reached an agreement with the National Union of Train Drivers (SMAQ) to end the strikes by these professionals, which have caused hundreds of trains to be canceled, according to the statement.
Thus, the carrier said that “after a period of intensive negotiations, last week it reached an agreement with the National Union of Machinists (SMAQ), which put an end to the cycle of strikes affecting the railway sector.” .
The company notes that “this consensus was reached with the cooperation of the Ministry of Infrastructure, which acted as an intermediary in the negotiations between the parties involved.”
According to the operator, “the agreement is the result of a joint effort between CP and SMAQ management, demonstrating the willingness of both parties to resolve the labor dispute and ensure the continuity of services to passengers.”
CP thanked SMAQ “for its accessibility and negotiating efforts which resulted in a satisfactory understanding for both parties and in favor of the interests of the workers and the company”, ensuring that “it is committed to the welfare of the workers”. and the quality of the services provided.
For the railway company, this agreement “is designed to strengthen relations with representative workers’ organizations, strengthening social dialogue and mutual cooperation.”
SMAQ went on strike at CP throughout April, accusing the company of “autistic attitude and neglect.”
The strike took various forms during the month, and there was no full stop day. However, hundreds of trains were cancelled.
Among the workers’ demands were “effective pay increases”, “traction career evaluation” and improved working conditions in driver’s cabs and social facilities and safety conditions on lines and in parks to protect motor material.
Another complaint concerned the “humanization of duty lists, established meal times and reduced rest time away from headquarters”, “an effective protocol for psychological monitoring of train drivers in case of accidents or accidents” and “recognition and appreciation of the professional requirements and training of train drivers in accordance with the new legal framework.
In February and March, strikes organized by various Communist Party unions also led to the suppression of hundreds of trains a day.
Author: Portuguese
Source: CM Jornal
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