Customer service workers at the National Pensions Centre and the Lisbon District Centre of the Social Security Institute are going on strike this Friday. The strike is a response to what workers call the degradation of services over the years and poor working conditions. The protest has been organized by the Union of Public and Social Service Workers of the South and Autonomous Regions (STFPSSRA).
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Social Security Workers Strike In Lisbon
According to union leader Joaquim Ribeiro, the strike is expected to involve around 170 to 180 workers. He believes the strike will have a big impact that will potentially lead to the closure of many customer service desks in Lisbon.
The main headquarters and most local service offices will be affected. This will cause disruptions for many people. The strike is necessary for the workers to raise awareness about their difficult working conditions.
Worsening Service And Staff Shortages
A major concern for the striking workers is the decline in the quality of services at Social Security offices. Ribeiro explained that many of the offices are in poor condition with facilities in need of repair.
Problems include broken air conditioning units, damaged blinds, and faulty windows. These issues make it hard for employees to work and create an uncomfortable environment for the public.
The workers are also facing staff shortages. Many employees have retired or moved to other public jobs but they have not been replaced. This has left the remaining staff with extra work which also add to their stress.
According to Ribeiro, this issue has been ongoing for years. He says that the lack of new workers is making it difficult to provide proper service.
One of the main demands of unions is the hiring of more workers. Ribeiro said that at least 30 to 40 new employees are needed to help ease the workload in Lisbon alone. Workers say it will be impossible to continue offering the service that citizens expect without this support.
Pay Disparities And Safety Concerns
Another major issue is inequality in pay. Workers who were initially assigned to the Citizens Shops which are government service centers receive a special shop allowance. But employees who were assigned to these shops later or those working in local Social Security offices do not get this extra pay.
They argue that people doing the same job should receive equal pay. Ribeiro pointed out that all Social Security employees perform similar tasks whether in a Citizens Shop or a regular office. He stressed that the union will push for equal pay once the government recognizes this issue.
The workers are also worried about safety in their offices. Social Security employees interact with the public every day often in high pressure situations. Many workers feel unsafe at their jobs because of the lack of security.
Ribeiro mentioned that many Social Security offices do not have a police presence which leave workers vulnerable. He named areas like Vila Franca de Xira, Azambuja, and Alenquer as examples where there are no police officers at the offices.
The union is calling for more PSP (Public Security Police) officers to be stationed in customer service departments to help protect workers. In offices where police are already present, the union says that more officers are needed to ensure safety.
Demands Of Social Security Workers
The issues Social Security workers are protesting highlight larger problems within the public services in Portugal. Many public sector workers feel that they are being asked to do more with fewer resources.
Lower workforce numbers and reductions in funding result in a decrease in service quality. This is the case with social security, healthcare, and education.
Social Security workers think that these problems will get worse over time. The shortage of staff means longer waiting times for citizens seeking help with pensions, benefits, and other services.
The poor condition of many offices makes it harder for employees to do their jobs well and creates a negative environment for the public.
The workers believe that unless the government takes action, these issues will continue to affect both staff and the public. The union is calling for immediate steps to address the concerns raised by its members.
The workers are striking to send a clear message to the government and the Social Security Institute’s Board of Directors. The union wants the government to hire more staff and improve pay for all workers. Ribeiro emphasized that this is not just about compensation but also about fairness.
He concluded:
The Government and the Board of Directors must acknowledge that these roles are demanding, specific, create stress and are risky, and for this reason, workers must be compensated
He also stressed the need for better safety measures in offices where staff regularly deal with the public. Right now, it is unclear how long the strike will last or how the government will respond. If the government does not act then further protests may happen.
The workers hope that their strike will lead to real changes in the way Social Security offices are run and improve conditions for both employees and citizens.
Workers are also fighting to make sure the public gets the best possible service. Without more staff, fair pay, and safe working conditions, they believe this is not possible. The union has made it clear that they are ready to push for these changes until their voices are heard.
