Workers Still Earning the Minimum Wage Struggle With Rising Prices
In Madeira, around 10,000 workers earn only the national minimum wage of €915 per month. Unions say this amount is not enough, especially because everyday goods and services cost more on the islands than in other parts of Portugal. Inflation in Madeira reached 3.6% this year and prices for essential groceries have climbed 27% within the last 3 years the highest among the country's regions. This increase has made life more difficult for many families, especially those already earning less.
At its core, the government's policies continue to follow the same orientation that has been in place and do not reflect the demands we have been making, and if there is no paradigm shift, they will fail to address the real concerns of workers and families. They can create a thousand and one new secretariats, but the outcome will remain the same.
Alexandre Fernandes, Union President, RTP Madeira
Unions Say Government Promises Are Not Enough Without Real Change
Alexandre Fernandes, President of Madeira Unions, is unsure whether the new regional government will solve long-standing problems. He argues that, unless the government changes its current way of managing labor issues, the daily struggles of workers will continue. The unions believe that government policies have not responded to the needs of working people.
Workers With Skills and Experience Still Feel Left Behind
The Union leader also pointed out that workers with many years of experience and professional training are not being fairly paid. They mentioned examples in the construction sector, where there have been small improvements in wages, but not enough to match the level of skill or the rising cost of living.
The problem lies in the lack of progress in collective bargaining and negotiations, which are essential to truly valuing workers
Alexandre Fernandes, Union President, RTP Madeira
Act Now! Middle-Income Families Are Losing Purchasing Power
Beyond low wages, the growing difficulties faced by lower-middle-class families are an issue. These households are struggling to keep up with the rising cost of housing, which is quickly becoming too expensive for many locals. The government must act, to stop home prices from rising even further and to help families who are being pushed out of the housing market.
Source: RTP Madeira
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