Bus Drivers in Funchal Raise Their Voices Over Pay and Working Hours
A strike by bus drivers in Funchal has left many passengers waiting at bus stops without transportation. The protest, organized by the Sindicato Nacional de Motoristas e Outros Trabalhadores (SNMOT), is demanding better wages and a reduction in working hours.
Some commuters, like Dalina Quintal and Fátima de Jesus, were unaware of the strike until they arrived at the bus stop. “I didn’t know,” said Quintal. “If I can’t go today, I’ll have to go another day.” Others expressed frustration over missing work due to the lack of buses.
There have been no raises in ticket prices or wages, and we are losing purchasing power every year.
José Gomes, bus driver, RTP Madeira
Drivers Demand Fair Pay and Improved Conditions
José Gomes and Álvaro Pitta, two striking drivers, explained their reasons for participating in the protest. They pointed out that their salaries have remained stagnant for nine years despite the rising cost of living. Currently, a bus driver's salary stands at €1,036 per month. “There have been no raises in ticket prices or wages, and we are losing purchasing power every year,” Gomes stated.
We're fighting for our livelihoods
Bus drivers’ protest sign
Another major demand is the reduction of the weekly working hours from 39 to 35, in line with other public sector employees. Many drivers argue that they should have the same benefits as state workers, given that they also provide an essential service to the community.
Protest March Through Funchal
To draw attention to their cause, more than a hundred bus drivers gathered in front of the Horários do Funchal company headquarters before marching through the city center to Quinta Vigia. While acknowledging the inconvenience to passengers, the drivers insist that their demands are necessary for fair working conditions. “It is unfortunate that customers are affected,” one driver said, “but we need to stand up for our rights.”
Union Denounces Pressure Tactics by Employers
Union leader Manuel Oliveira has accused transport companies in Madeira of pressuring workers to break the strike, calling the tactics illegal. According to Oliveira, some companies have called in workers who were on leave or medical absence, while also reportedly bringing in an unqualified former driver to operate buses. “When someone without proper certification is assigned to public transport duties, it is it's regrettable, to say the least” he stated. The union has formally reported these actions to the authorities and emphasized that while some level of employer pressure is expected, it must stay within legal limits.
If we work, we deserve more.
Bus drivers’ protest sign
Union Pushes for Wage Talks and Inflation-Based Pay Adjustments
Union representative Manuel Oliveira emphasized that the workers are fighting to again take up negotiations. The main demands include aligning salary increases with inflation and ensuring that bus drivers in Madeira receive the same wage adjustments as those affected by the national minimum wage increase. “These workers want their salaries to reflect the same percentage increase that the minimum wage in Madeira has seen,” Oliveira said.
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