In a statement, the SPAC leadership expresses "deep concern" about the approximately one hundred measures included in the government proposal, which it considers to represent "an unprecedented setback in labour rights since the Troika period."

According to the president of SPAC, Hélder Santinhos, "this is not a partisan or corporatist issue, but rather a defense of fundamental workers' rights."

The union leader emphasises that “among the critical points of this draft bill are the automatic expiration of Company Agreements, the facilitation of dismissals with less protection for reinstatement, the generalization of precarious contracts in large companies, and the reduction of the bargaining power of unions.”

Solidarity

SPAC believes that, “although pilots are recognized as professionals with particular labour characteristics,” they must assume “a responsibility of active solidarity.” As Hélder Santinhos warns, “European experience demonstrates that labour deregulation initiated in the most vulnerable sectors ends up reaching all professions. When the framework of labour law is weakened, no level remains immune!” he adds.

The participation in the general strike of December 11 has already been approved by the cabin crew represented by the National Union of Civil Aviation Flight Personnel (SNPVAC), who held an emergency general assembly on November 24. 2,802 union members participated in the vote, of whom 2,305 voted in favour, 320 against, and 177 abstained.

The general strike on December 11 was called by the CGTP and UGT unions against the proposed revision of the Labour Code and will be the first joint strike by the two unions since June 2013, when Portugal was under the Troika's intervention.