This week Portugal suffer an enormous fuel crisis thanks to a strike from drivers of dangerous goods, which resulted on the depletion of hundreds of fuel stations across the country.
When, who and why did this happen?
The strike was called at Monday, 15th of April at mid night by the SNMMP (Sindicato Nacional de Motoristas de Matérias Perigosas, to claim recognition of the specific professional category.
Pedro Pardal, vice president of the union, affirms that drivers claim "is the recognition of the professional category, because they are considered only heavy-duty workers despite the fact that there are differences [and being required to be specially trained]" and there also "additional risks". Additionally, to cease to “illegally" pay subsistence allowances, which leads to workers being harmed.
How did the Government Reacted?
The Portuguese state decided to use measures to make sure there were minimum levels of fuel at filling stations, however that didn’t work quite well since several filling station around the country were forced to close due to lacking of fuel.
The end of the strike
The strike ended this Thursday, 18th of April thanks to the deal reached between ANTRAM and the driver’s union.
According to Pedro Pardal Henriques “What made us revoke the strike was the assurance from both the ANTRAM and the Government that we are going to start negotiating the collective bargaining agreement and the commitment that this would have an end by the end of the year. On the other hand, we are aware that if we continued with the strike we would cause more problems for the country”.
What do you think about the strike? Do you believe the Drivers are right? Do you believe that the government had no other option than negotiate?
Leave your opinions below in the comments.
Leave your opinions below in the comments.
sources: https://rr.sapo.pt/noticia/148516/crise-dos-combustiveis-greve-acabou
Check out my colleague work on the matter
Check out my colleague work on the matter
Good work, Margarida!
ReplyDeletethank you very much mariana !
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