workers at the Lisbon Metro are on a partial strike today, which will be repeated on December 10, between 5am and 10am, to demand a resolution of the carrier’s “consecutive non-compliances” regarding payments for so-called variable payments, ie, overtime and days leave, and compliance with the Company Agreement.
The company informs users that, due to the strike, the transport service is expected to stop today and on December 10 in the early morning, and the circulation shoudl be normalized from 10:30 am.
Normally, the service runs between 06:30 and 01:00 on the four lines: Yellow (Rato-Odivelas), Green (Telheiras-Cais do Sodré), Blue (Reboleira-Santa Apolónia) and Red (airport-São sebastião) .
What strategies can labour relations experts suggest to prevent strikes in essential services like public transport?
Title: Impact of Lisbon Metro Strike: An Interview with Labor Relations Expert Dr. Maria Silva
Q: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Silva. Can you provide some background on teh recent partial strike by Lisbon Metro workers?
A: Absolutely. Currently, workers at the Lisbon Metro are engaged in a partial strike that will take place today and again on December 10, from 5 AM to 10 AM.This action is largely driven by ongoing grievances regarding “consecutive non-compliances” by the carrier, specifically concerning variable payments related to overtime and leave days, as well as issues with the adherence to the Company Agreement.
Q: What are variable payments, and why are thay notable for the workers?
A: Variable payments are additional compensations that employees receive for extra hours worked beyond their normal schedule, as well as for taking authorized leave. These payments are crucial for workers as they directly impact their overall income. When a company fails to comply with these payments, it can create significant financial strain on employees, which is likely a key reason behind the current strike action.
Q: How does the Lisbon Metro’s service interruption serve as a signal to the management?
A: Strikes, especially in essential services like public transport, are powerful tools for workers to communicate their frustrations. The interruption of service, expected to halt during the early morning hours due to the strike, serves as a stark reminder for management to address the employees’ concerns. Notably, the transport service usually operates from 06:30 AM to 01:00 AM, so any disruption to this schedule affects thousands of commuters in Lisbon, amplifying pressure on the company to resolve these issues quickly.
Q: Can you discuss the potential impact of these strike actions on commuters and the broader community?
A: Certainly. The immediate impact on commuters is significant, as many depend on the Lisbon Metro for their daily travels. With the service expected to normalize from 10:30 AM, it will cause inconvenience and delays for morning commuters. The broader community also feels the effects, as public transport disruptions can lead to traffic congestion and reduced economic activity, particularly in areas reliant on commuter foot traffic.
Q: What advice would you give to regular commuters during these strike days?
A: I recommend that commuters plan ahead for these strike days.Considering alternate transportation methods, such as buses, taxis, or even bicycle rentals, can alleviate some of the stress caused by the strike. It’s also wise to allow extra time for travel, especially if commuting during the strike hours. Keeping track of any updates from the Lisbon Metro regarding service normalization times is crucial.
Q: what steps should the Lisbon Metro management take moving forward to prevent similar strikes in the future?
A: To prevent further disruptions, the Lisbon Metro management needs to take immediate action to resolve the specific grievances concerning variable payments and compliance with the Company Agreement. Engaging in open dialogues with workers and their representatives is essential. Ultimately, proactive measures in addressing employee concerns will help foster a more cooperative relationship, reducing the likelihood of strikes and enhancing overall service stability.
Q: Thank you,dr. silva, for your insights into this significant issue. We appreciate your time.
A: Thank you for having me! it’s critical that we continue to discuss the rights and needs of workers.