“You need a revolution” in Prosegur
They were shocked to discover that Prosegur management had refused to meet with the UNI delegation despite having plenty of notice of the visit. They were even more surprised to hear about some of the appalling problems reported by Prosegur workers. Prosegur Portugal workers reported problems with underpayment for hours worked, underpayment of allowances, 12-hour shifts, lack of toilet breaks and lack of eating facilities, irregular work patterns and being compelled to sign things they don’t agree with. Workers discussed working in an environment of fear.
The Spanish comrades were so shocked to hear both the amount and the detail of these problems that one of them told the Portuguese “You need a revolution. We are committed to work with you, other unions and UNI to campaign for a global agreement so that you can organise workers and build the power to put an end to this exploitation.”
They also visited the Autoeuropa VW factory where they saw a different situation. Nigel Venes, UNI Organiser said “It is clear from our research that when there are tight rules and guidelines, imposed by unions, clients or legislation , Prosegur will follow these rules. But it is even clearer that where clients are less assertive about labour conditions, or there is weak labour legislation or weak unions, Prosegur workers experience mistreatment, poor conditions and inadequate wages. This is why a global agreement is so crucial for all Prosegur workers.”
At Prosegur Lisbon HQ, staff refused to accept a hand-delivered letter signed by all five organisations protesting the refusal to meet with the unions. The delegation left Lisbon last night with much to consider. Since January 2010, UNI has been calling on Prosegur to sign a global agreement and to honor minimum labour standards and the right to form a union in all countries where it operates. So far, Prosegur in Madrid has refused to accept this offer and the message coming from countries, such as Portugal is very clear. UNI Property Services Global Union will next meeting in May to agree on a way forward.