In a statement, the union federation reveals that workers are once again on strike “to demand fair compensation for the work carried out during these days” and that the strike will last until 31 December, “affecting all holidays until then”.

Contacted by Lusa, Orlando Almeida, director of FNSTFPS, said that the federation met last March with the Minister of Culture and the administration of Museus e Monumentos de Portugal and that “there was no opening to negotiate, not even a proposal” from the ministry.

“There was absolutely nothing. We are open to negotiations, but with something concrete,” said the union leader.

According to the trade unionist, workers in museums, monuments and archaeological sites under public supervision receive, on holidays, around 15 to 20 euros, which represents “half of a normal day”, and are paid up to two additional hours.

“This problem has been going on for years, without successive governments having taken a decision to value the work carried out on public holidays in museums, monuments and listed sites,” the federation highlighted in a statement.

Orlando Almeida estimated that around a thousand employees currently work in the 38 museums, monuments and national palaces managed by Museus e Monumentos de Portugal, including the Mafra National Palace, the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower (Lisbon) and the Convento de Cristo (Tomar).