The general strike called by the CGTP and UGT for Thursday, in protest against the draft labor reform, once again raises doubts among workers. Those who decide to join want to know what they lose, what they keep and whether the decision could have consequences for their professional future.
Salary and meal allowance: what happens during the strike
According to the Authority for Working Conditions (ACT), joining the strike implies the suspension of the employment contract during the strike period.
In practice, the worker does not receive the remuneration corresponding to these hours or days, nor is he entitled to a meal allowance.
Rights that remain despite the strike
During the strike, attendance and subordination duties are suspended, but all rights do not disappear.
Guarantees that do not depend on the actual provision of work remain valid, such as social security protection and coverage in the event of an accident at work or occupational illness.
The strike counts towards seniority in the company
One of the most common fears is the idea that the strike could harm one’s career. However, the downtime continues to count for seniority purposes.
This means that the period on strike is considered part of the service period and does not delay future progression or rights.
Is it necessary to notify the company?
It is not mandatory to inform the employer of the decision to strike. Membership is a worker’s right and the employer cannot prevent participation or exert any type of pressure, coercion or discrimination. Attempts at reprisal are considered serious offenses.
Minimum services: who is obliged to work?
In sectors considered essential, the law requires the existence of minimum services. This is the case in areas such as health, energy, water, public transport and telecommunications, where basic functioning must be ensured even in a strike situation.
The Government’s draft proposal proposes the expansion of the sectors covered by minimum services. The list may more frequently include areas such as security, transport of valuables and essential operations at ports and airports, which increases the obligations of companies and workers in these sectors.
A strike that marks the return of a historic moment
This will be the first joint general strike by the CGTP and UGT since 2013, when the country was under the intervention of the troika.
The protest once again places the balance between workers’ rights and labor reforms at the center of the debate, remembering that, despite the immediate impact on salary, length of service and career progression are not affected, according to .
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