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Marcelo, Fátima(s) and Mário: reports from those who did not join a general strike “that is not clear” at this stage. “I’m not worried.”
Unions say that the turnout for this Thursday was huge. The Government says the country has been working.
“In the private and social sector, reported levels of adherence are between 0% and 10%“, Leitão Amaro, Minister of the Presidency.
The reports are in line with the Government’s version: weak adherence in the private sectorin various parts of the country, according to the radio.
From Chaves comes the testimony of Marcelo Nobre: he works in a bakery and pastry shop and explained why he didn’t go on strike: “I didn’t join because, simply, I don’t know what they are demanding. I don’t usually watch television.”
“And then, I have to work; If I don’t work I’m done for steakas they say,” commented the 32-year-old worker.
Marcelo is satisfied with the working conditions, he doesn’t need to protest: “Right now with my work, yes, I have no complaints none, not even from the bosses. I heard something about changes to labor law, but they won’t interfere with me at all.”
Fátima Santos, in a cafe, also had a normal day: “I was never used to these things, going on strike and so on, I don’t agree. I’m not worried therefore”.
Another Fátima, local businesswoman Fátima Pinto, even thought that the strike should not have been carried out in the first place: “It’s not noticeablethere is no way, at a time when the negotiations have not ended, that we are harming the country with this strike”.
Likewise in Chaves, civil construction worked as usual. “If I went on strike I wouldn’t win the day and I miss money. Furthermore, I also think that this will lead to nothing”, reacted bricklayer Mário Silva.
