UGT trade union rejects latest labour law reform proposal

Portugal’s UGT union confederation has rejected the latest version of the government’s labour law reform proposal, a setback for planned changes to workplace rules that matter for employers and workers in the country. The union’s national secretariat took the decision on Wednesday but said it remains open to further talks.

Speaking after a meeting that lasted about four hours, UGT secretary-general Mário Mourão said the proposal currently on the table had been rejected, while stressing the confederation was still willing to negotiate. “If the Government has any proposal it still wants to make in order to bring positions closer, UGT is totally available”, he said.

Despite progress made over the past nine months, several contentious issues still prevent an agreement between UGT, business confederations and the government. Those points include individual time-bank arrangements, outsourcing and the lack of reinstatement after dismissals.

Originally published at Eco.pt