Discussion underway between government, employers, and trade unions on proposed modifications to labour laws
Portugal's proposed changes to labor law, which include the purchase of additional vacation days, have sparked a mix of optimistic and cautious reactions from the public, unions, and employers. The key proposal allows employees to take one or more extra vacation days off, with a corresponding salary deduction, without penalties to other benefits such as meal allowance, vacation, or Christmas bonuses.
This measure, seen as increasing worker autonomy and flexibility, is framed by the government as a step towards removing inequities from the previous "Decent Work Agenda." The change aims to provide employees with the opportunity to "buy" additional days off via salary adjustment, in a mutually agreed system between employers and employees.
However, the proposal is still under discussion with employer confederations and unions, indicating ongoing debate and differing views. While some employer groups may have concerns about administrative complexity or effects on productivity, labor unions likely focus on protecting workers’ rights and ensuring these changes do not erode broader labor protections.
Beyond extra vacation days, the broader labor reforms also include establishing minimum service rules during strikes, removing bans on outsourcing after layoffs, and clarifications to the regime of telework and the system of automatic absences. These measures, responding to employer demands but contentious regarding constitutional interpretations, suggest the labor law changes are part of a wider, complex reform with varying public and stakeholder reactions.
The government has defended the changes, including the purchase of extra vacation days, as a means to prevent a total paralysis scenario, similar to the May CP strike. However, the CGTP, a major Portuguese trade union, has accused the Executive of preparing an assault on labor rights and admitted advancing with protests.
As the government meets with employers and unions this afternoon to discuss changes to labor law, the exact breadth of opinion across society remains unclear. SIC Notícias conducted a survey to find out what the Portuguese think of the proposed measures for the purchase of extra vacation days, but no specific findings were provided.
Currently, a worker has the right to a minimum period of 22 useful vacation days per year. The objective of the new regime is to give more flexibility to the worker, without impacting the contributory career. More vacation days can be added in collective bargaining.
The discussions with unions and employers will likely shape the final acceptance and implementation of these changes. As the debate continues, it is clear that the proposed labor law reforms, particularly the purchase of extra vacation days, are a topic of significant interest and importance to many in Portugal.
- The government's proposed labor law changes, which include the purchase of additional vacation days, have sparked a mix of optimistic and cautious reactions, especially from employers and unions.
- This measure, seen as increasing worker autonomy and flexibility, is part of the government's steps towards removing inequities from the previous "Decent Work Agenda."
- The change aims to provide employees with the opportunity to "buy" additional days off via salary adjustment, in a mutually agreed system between employers and employees, although it's still under discussion.
- Beyond extra vacation days, the broader labor reforms also include measures such as establishing minimum service rules during strikes, removing bans on outsourcing after layoffs, and clarifications to the regime of telework and the system of automatic absences.
- The CGTP, a major Portuguese trade union, has accused the Executive of preparing an assault on labor rights, while the government defends the changes as a means to prevent a total paralysis scenario, with the exact breadth of opinion across society remaining unclear.