The BCP and the National Union of Banking Staff and Technicians (SNQTB) disagreed on the need for minimum services for the general strike called for this Thursday, December 11th, resulting in a strike at the bank without minimum services enacted. According to Jornal de Notícias and the union’s official statement, compensation for the day’s lost salary will be ensured by SNQTB, through its Strike Fund, and will only apply to its members who prove they have joined the strike.
According to the same source, BCP requested the provision of minimum services for the general strike. The discussion was taken to the General Directorate of Employment and Labor Relations (DGERT), in a meeting held on Wednesday, the day before the strike, where the bank and the union came face to face to discuss the proposal.
SNQTB rejected the proposal presented by BCP. Given the content of the bank’s communication and the applicable legal regime, namely the provisions of article 537 of the Labor Code, the union concluded that “there is no justification, nor is there any basis, for accepting the proposal for minimum services” formulated by BCP, leading to the meeting ending without an agreement.
Union guarantees replacement of lost wages
Without an agreement at DGERT, the strike progressed at BCP without minimum services imposed for the bank. According to statement no. 38/2025, SNQTB states that it will be attentive to the free exercise of the right to strike by BCP workers and all bank employees.
The union structure informed members that the Strike Fund will cover lost remuneration, as long as participation in the strike is proven.
The same position is reiterated in the union’s statement cited by , which highlights the commitment to replace the loss of remuneration for members who joined the general strike on December 11th.
Right to strike protected by the union fund
Under the terms of the Strike Fund regulations, available on the SNQTB website, this fund is a special reserve intended to reimburse members who join strikes called or supported by the union. The contribution cannot, under any circumstances, exceed the net remuneration proven to be deducted due to a strike, nor the financial availability of the fund.
Payment is made after the strike, upon request from the member, presentation of the salary receipt showing the deduction and other provided proof, within the established deadlines.
The union emphasizes, in its frequently asked questions about strikes, that all workers covered by the notice period can join the strike, whether or not they are union members, and that it is absolutely illegal to coerce, harm or discriminate against anyone who exercises the right to strike, remembering that such behavior constitutes a very serious offense under articles 540 and 543 of the Labor Code.
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