Portugal
The FNSFP public services federation is continuing its campaign over government policy and in protest over a 1.5% pay increase. It has called a national demonstration in Lisbon on 3rd February. The federation argues that 1.5% will be insufficient to compensate for inflation in 2006 which is expected to reach 2.5% and fails to compensate for declining real pay in previous years.
Read more at >FNFSP
And at >STAL
Following a large demonstration in Valletta on 24 November, the General Workers Union in Malta is warning that it will organise strike action across the country on 1 December unless the government comes to the negotiating table. The union has attacked the government for increases to VAT and utilities charges and cutting public holidays. It is also warning of potential job cuts across nationalised industries including the water and energy sector. Read more at > GWU And at > dive news site
The FNSFP public sector trade union reports that thousands of trade unionists joined the latest national demonstration on 12 July against government policies on public services and attacks on workers' rights in public administration. Read more at > FNSFP (PT) And at > STAL (PT)
The STAL public administration union has organised a month of action in protest at government plans for the public services and attacks on the rights of public service workers. The union acknowledges that some changes need to be made in public administration but argues for a process of modernisation not destruction. It will organise weekly vigils outside the council of ministers and will distribute publicity material to highlight its arguments among the electorate. [Read more at > STAL->http://www.stal.pt/artigo.asp?id=801] Meanwhile the SINTAP public service union is planning a week of action
