Salary and pension increase | To protect public services and social functions of the State For the right to health – education – housing
The state of the country is still characterized by the worsening living conditions of the majority of the population, as a result of low wages and pensions and the increase in living costs, where housing and food take too much of a burden. Simultaneously occurring, economic groups, national or multinational, accumulate more and more wealth, initially at the expense of exploiting workers.
The employers, aware of the growing favoritism of the HR government (PSD/CDS), well expressed, such as, in the “agreements” signed by this government and previous governments, which sustains and raises key problems workers and guarantee. more and more tax advantages, especially for large economic groups, attack rights and collective bargaining, block negotiations, promote stagnation and devaluation of wages, professions and occupations, always in pursuit of more and more profits.
Due to the deepening of the right-wing policy, carried out by the AD government (PSD/CDS), the clear favoritism of big capital is reinforced, paving the way for increased exploitation, hindering the rights and poverty of workers, simultaneously occurring. that reactionary and fascist projects will continue to be promoted.
using a lot of propaganda and demagogy, the government implements measures that do not respond to the serious structural problems of the country, but which aim to divert attention from the deep inequalities in the distribution of wealth. The aim is to propose differences where there is, in fact, convergence, namely with CH and IL, whether for the fiscal injustice to be worsening, namely to try to implement the basic principle of fiscal progression provided for in the Constitution of the Republic of Refuting Portuguese, or in devaluing and degrading public services and social functions of the State. From that basis, the transfer of public resources to private groups is justified and the door is opened for further privatisation, as shown by the attacks on the National Health Service, the resumption of the TAP privatization process and the loss of a considerable source of income for RTP, through advertising, according to a clear logic of favoring private groups and encouraging layoffs.
The proposal for the State Budget for 2025 (OE), presented by the government, is subordinated to the impositions of the EU and is tailored to the interests of big business. Despite the dramatization of its approval, and discussions taking place outside the essential content, the PS, by abstaining from voting, accepted the feasibility of the OE proposal presented by the AD government and the political consequences of that position.
This OE weakens public provision in areas such as SUS, Public Schools, Social Protection, transport, Local and Regional Administration, Culture, Justice and Housing. It prioritizes the private sector and paves the way to transform the social rights of workers and the rest of the population into business opportunities for economic and financial groups. The State’s fulfillment of its obligations towards the Autonomous Regions is also seriously threatened.
For Public Administration (PA) workers,it maintains the devaluation of their work and perpetuates low wages (giving a negative signal to the private sector),with direct implications on their living conditions,but also on the guarantee of their rights. economic groups intend to turn it into a business. Moreover, this OE exacerbates the unfair and classist nature of taxation.
We must change course, we can have a better life!
In order for this change of direction to become a reality, it is necessary to respond to the workers’ demands, which are very crucial in the situation the country is going through:
• To raise the wages of all workers by at least 15%, not less than €150, to restore purchasing power and improve living conditions;
• Valuation of careers and occupations;
• Set the National Minimum Wage at €1000 on 1 January 2025;
• The significant increase in the value of retirement pensions, to restore and improve the purchasing power of pensioners and retirees;
• Re-introduce the right to collective bargaining, and repeal the expiry, and also the remaining heavy norms in the labour legislation, and re-introduce the principle of more favorable treatment for workers;
• Reduction of working hours to 35 hours per week for everyone, without loss of pay;
• end of schedule deregulation, adaptability, time banks, concentrated schedules and all efforts to generalize follow-up work and shift work;
• Combating uncertainty in the private and public sector, ensuring that a permanent job corresponds to an effective employment contract;
• Comply with the rights of workers and guarantee a quick and appropriate intervention to fulfill the requirements for the fulfillment and protection of their rights by the competent supervisory entity (ACT);
• Investment in public services, in the social functions of the State, in the NHS, in Public Schools, in Social Security, in Justice, and in respecting public administration workers, which is decisive to ensure better services for the population. ;
• Guarantee universal access to housing, as specified in the CRP.
Therefore, we declare the need to respond instantly to the just and urgent demands of the workers and we denounce the lack of measures that respond to the serious problems of the country!
We demand an option policy, which distributes wealth fairly, respects and values work and workers, protects and invests in public services and the social functions of the State.
we are committed to continuing the fight, intensifying our demands in the workplace, making our voice heard and asserting our strength in defending your rights and aspirations for a better life.
Long live the struggle of the workers!
Long live CGTP-IN!
How does the rise of multinational corporations impact local labor markets and employment conditions?
Interview with Dr. Anna Ribeiro, Labor Economics Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good morning, Dr. Ribeiro. Thank you for joining us today to discuss some pressing issues facing our economy, especially in terms of wages, pensions, and the broader living conditions. Your expertise in labor economics is invaluable to our readers.
Dr. Anna Ribeiro (AR): Good morning! Thank you for having me. it’s a pleasure to discuss these crucial issues.
TNE: Let’s start with the current state of living conditions in our country. The article mentioned that the majority of the population is experiencing worsening living conditions due to low wages and rising costs. Can you elaborate on how these factors are interlinked?
AR: Absolutely. The increasing costs of housing and food are considerably impacting disposable incomes, particularly for those earning lower wages. When wages do not keep pace with living costs, individuals and families face the choice of sacrificing essential needs, which can lead to broader societal issues, including poorer health outcomes, increased homelessness, and increased pressure on public services.
TNE: It seems clear that there’s a growing divide between the wealthy and the working population. The article highlights that multinational corporations are accumulating wealth while workers are being exploited. How does this dynamic affect economic equality?
AR: The concentration of wealth in the hands of a few directly undermines economic equality. When large corporations benefit from tax advantages and exploit labor, they exacerbate income inequality. This not only affects the workers but also constrains economic growth, as a wealthier and larger middle class tends to spend more, fueling demand and supporting local economies.
TNE: You brought up the issue of tax policies favoring big businesses. Can you explain how these policies play a role in the broader economic landscape and worker’s rights?
AR: Tax policies that prioritize large corporations over individual workers create an surroundings where employers feel less pressure to raise wages or improve working conditions. When governments choose to provide substantial tax breaks to big businesses, they effectively shift the tax burden onto individuals and smaller enterprises, worsening economic disparity. this not only affects take-home pay but also limits funding for critical public services that support workers, such as education and healthcare.
TNE: The article also discusses the government’s approach to public services and social functions, arguing that privatization is on the rise. How does this impact the working class and the economy?
AR: Privatization of public services can severely impact the working class.When essential services like healthcare and education are privatized, costs can increase, and access can become restricted, particularly for low-income individuals. Additionally, private firms often prioritize profit over service quality, which can lead to a degradation of essential public services. The working class then faces both higher costs and poorer quality services, further entrenching their economic struggles.
TNE: With a proposed State Budget for 2025 aligned with EU impositions and aiming to appease big business interests, what implications does this have for worker rights and collective bargaining?
AR: Such a budgetary approach indicates a troubling trend where the voice of working individuals becomes increasingly marginalized. When governments prioritize the interests of large corporations over the needs of their citizens, it weakens collective bargaining power. Workers may face more challenges in negotiating fair wages or improving working conditions, which ultimately leads to stagnation in their economic mobility and perpetuates the cycle of poverty.
TNE: As a closing thought, Dr. Ribeiro, what steps do you think need to be taken to address these issues effectively?
AR: To foster real change, it’s imperative for policies to prioritize fair wages, strengthen labor rights, and ensure that wealth is more equitably distributed. This includes implementing fair taxation that alleviates the burden on workers and enhances funding for public services. Active support for collective bargaining and empowering workers to negotiate their rights is essential. Lastly, transparency in government dealings with corporations is crucial to prevent favoritism and ensure accountability.
TNE: Thank you,Dr. Ribeiro. Your insights into these complex issues are invaluable as we navigate the future of work and economic sustainability in our society. We look forward to your continued contributions in this critical discourse.
AR: Thank you for having me! It’s crucial that we keep discussing these matters and push for positive changes.