Algarve workers to rally over wages and living costs – Portugal Resident

Workers from across the Algarve are being urged to join a regional protest in Faro on Thursday, August 7, as trade union federation USAL/CGTP-IN steps up its campaign for higher wages, better working conditions and stronger public services.

The demonstration will begin at 10am outside Escola Secundária João de Deus in Faro.

In a statement announcing the protest, the union said the Algarve’s economy continues to rely heavily on tourism while many workers remain trapped in low-paid, insecure and seasonal employment despite record profits being generated by the sector.

The organisation argues that summer should not be synonymous with exploitation and says employees should not be expected to accept low wages while facing rising living costs.

According to USAL/CGTP-IN, the Algarve’s labour market continues to be characterised by informal work, irregular hours, precarious contracts, seasonality and high unemployment outside the peak tourist season.

The protest follows what the union describes as a significant victory after parliament rejected the government’s proposed labour package, but organisers insist the outcome should mark the beginning, rather than the end, of the campaign for improved living and working conditions.

The union is also calling for increased pensions, greater job security, regulated working hours, improved public transport, more affordable housing and stronger investment in public services, particularly the National Health Service (SNS).

USAL/CGTP-IN further criticised what it described as decades of right-wing economic policies, arguing that while major companies in sectors such as banking, energy, fuel, telecommunications and retail continue to post substantial profits, workers, pensioners, young people and small businesses are facing growing financial hardship.

The organisation is appealing for workers, pensioners, young people, small business owners and the wider public to take part in Thursday’s demonstration.

“United we are stronger, and only through collective action can we defend and strengthen our rights,” the union said.