The Portuguese Ministry of Internal Affairs (MAI) is set to resume negotiations with unions representing the PSP police force and associations representing the GNR military police today. The talks, led by Luís Neves, will focus on revising the professional statute and remuneration system, as well as discussing proposed changes to supplements. The meetings come 15 days after the MAI presented a proposal for a €160 supplement, retroactive to July, and €230 in 2027, for officers working in specific units.
The negotiations are seen as crucial by the unions, which represent police and military personnel. They will be discussed in two separate groups, with six GNR associations meeting with Neves in the afternoon, and seven PSP unions divided into two groups for their meetings. The unions have expressed concerns about career development and remuneration, which they say are long overdue for discussion. The MAI's proposal for supplements has been met with mixed reactions, with some unions welcoming it and others rejecting it.
The Association Sindical dos Profissionais da Polícia (ASPP) and Associação dos Profissionais da Guarda (APG) held a joint protest in Porto on Monday, which was the first of several planned demonstrations across the country. The ASPP was the only union to oppose the MAI's proposal, which was presented by the minister. Other unions, including the Sindicato Nacional da Polícia (Sinapol), have expressed cautious optimism about the talks.
According to Armando Ferreira, president of the Sinapol, there is still no agreement on the proposed supplement for officers working at borders. Ferreira said that the unions are waiting for a counterproposal from the MAI that addresses their demands, including equal supplements for officers working in similar roles. The unions are seeking a supplement similar to that of the Unidade Especial de Polícia (UEP) for officers working in border control and immigration.
The MAI's proposal has been seen as a positive step by some unions, but they stress that much work remains to be done. The negotiations will focus on revising the professional statute and remuneration system, which the unions say is long overdue. The talks are expected to be challenging, but both sides have expressed a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue.
The PSP and GNR unions have been pressing for improved pay and benefits for some time, citing the challenging nature of their work and the need for fair compensation. The MAI's proposal is seen as a step in the right direction, but the unions are keen to ensure that their demands are met. The negotiations will be closely watched by police and military personnel across the country.
The outcome of the talks is uncertain, but both sides have expressed a commitment to finding a solution. The MAI has indicated that it is willing to listen to the unions' concerns and work towards a mutually beneficial agreement. The unions, in turn, have pledged to work constructively with the ministry to find a solution that meets their demands.
Key points
- The MAI will discuss proposed changes to supplements and the professional statute with PSP and GNR unions today.
- The unions are seeking improved pay and benefits for police and military personnel.
- The negotiations are seen as crucial for the future of the PSP and GNR.
