News

UNI Affiliates in Cape Verde Islands SITIF and SITTHUR, joined the Country National Centre UNTC-CS after a long period of discussions and negotiations with employers and Government, and called an industrial action on 20th January 2014 to show displeasure on a number of issues affecting workers in the country. The centre stage of the mass action took place in Santo Antäo and Brava Islands with a total of more than 30,000 workers attending the manifestations, which were recorded as the biggest in the Countries history. This action took place on the same day as the Country remembered the passing of the political Icon Amilcar Cabral, who gave valuable lessons to the working class to stand for their rights. Amongst the issues affecting workers are proposals to amend the Labour Act, reduction of retrenchment benefits to 120 days of minimum wage, reduction of weekend brake. Furthermore, the unions are also unhappy with the services provided by the Country Social Security Scheme Management, as illegal and abusive decisions are often taken against the well being of the members which in most cases deprive them from enjoying their rightful benefits, such as medical support and provision of medicine. Finally the unions gave the Government an ultimatum to shape up and address all issues as a matter of priority and relook at the leadership of the National Social Security Scheme.