“In theory there was agreement, but in practice, could not agree to provide the level of minimum services that we were asked for on Saturdays.


Since there is no way for the union to verify, nor for Antram itself to be aware of the levels of minimum services that are needed, we decided to leave the decision on minimum services to [the government],” the president of the SNMMP, Francisco São Bento, told journalists.

According to the union leader, from Monday to Friday, “the eight hours of work will be complied with” as stipulated in the strike notice, with only one doubt remaining about the percentages to be guaranteed on Saturday.


Francisco São Bento also noted that the meeting, which lasted about seven hours, “was very productive,” adding that the two sides “are on the right track.


In turn, the Antram spokesman, André Matias de Almeida, said that “the parties agree” that there should be minimum services, and the employers’ association proposed that these be on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.


“This proposal was refused by the union. The union believes that it should be the government that [decides] the percentage that should be in the minimum services,” he said.


According to the minutes of the meeting, to which Lusa had access, one of the points that deserved the union’s refusal was the supply to airports.


“With regard to airports (...) there will be no need for additional work, not on Saturdays, Sundays or public holidays, since they must be provided in the normal working hours,” said the union leader, quoted in the document.


Between 7 and 22 September, dangerous goods drivers will be on strike regarding overtime, weekends and holidays.