STAL celebrates 40 years and supports Hands off Public Services Campaign

19 June EPSU General Secretary speaking at STAL Conference, Lisbon, 19 June 2015

(23 June 2015) Addressing the increase of precarious work, opposing the privatisation campaign of the rightwing government, formulating the collective bargaining agenda for the new period and reflecting on the importance of the forthcoming elections, close to 200 delegates of the Portuguese local public services union STAL had a lot to debate at their conference.

They also adopted a firm position against CETA, and opposed the TTIP and TISA negotiations.

The conference also celebrated the 40 years of existence of the union, now one of Portugal's largest. It was created shortly after the revolution of 25 April 1974 when a military coup and popular resistance returned the country back to democracy. STAL's President Francisco Braz referred to the work of all the activists since that time and how the union was building on their work in defense of public services and workers.

The CGT-P General Secretary Armenio Carlos spoke on the unions' fight for decent pay and conditions, the need for structural change and the importance of the vote in autumn.

The EPSU General Secretary spoke of the priorities of EPSU, the fight to end austerity in Europe, our campaign to oppose trade agreements that do not deliver for workers and citizens in Europe and importance and success of the work to get tax justice at the top of the agenda. He recalled the support of the EPSU Executive committee for the campaign of STAL to ensure that the employers respect the 35h working week collective agreement and to oppose the interference of the government.

The Executive Committee showed its support for the EPSU campaign to oppose CETA and keep public services out of trade agreements. With applause it supported a call for solidarity with the Greek people and workers.

Delegates ended the conference with a demonstration to demand an end to precarious work. The conference took place 19 June 2015, Lisboa, Portugal.

  • 19 June EPSU General Secretary speaking at STAL Conference, Lisbon, 19 June 2015
  • STAL conference (200 delegates) says no to TTIP 19 June 2015