The structure that brings together the largest unions and associations of security forces and services will hold a rally on April 16 in front of the prime minister’s residence in Lisbon to protest against the cut in reforms.
In a statement released this Friday, the Permanent Coordinating Committee (CCP) of Unions and Associations of Security Forces and Services Professionals, which brings together structures of the PSP, GNR, prison guards, ASAE and Maritime Policesays that the concentration aims to protest “solely for the serious error of cutting pensions provided for in legislative changes made since 2005”.
“The CCP vehemently repudiates measures that aim to penalize those who have dedicated their entire lives to public service, often in conditions of extreme risk and at the sacrifice of personal and family life”, says that structure, highlighting that they do not accept that “the security of citizens is guaranteed at the expense of the precariousness of those who ensure it”.
The unions and associations that are part of the CCP demand “respect for those who guarantee security”, considering that “a dignified retirement is not a privilege, but a right achieved after decades of dedication to the State”.
In the statement, the CPP reports on the discontent within the security forces and services and calls on younger professionals to be present at the protest, remembering the “negative impact they could suffer on their pensions if they do not fight for their rights through representative structures”.
“The CCP asks for massive participation. It is essential that on April 16th our voice is heard in unison and clearly. The union of all associative and union structures demonstrates that this is not a sectoral protest, but rather a cry of warning from the entire security family in Portugal”, the note also reads.
The dispute between elements of the security forces and services increased in tone after the Assembly of the Republic failed, on February 27th, initiatives – presented by Chega and PCP – which aimed to increase the pension supplement for military personnel from the Armed Forces and GNR, and security force personnelensuring that the pension corresponded to 90% of the last salary received.
The new rules for reforms of the GNR, Armed Forces and police aim at convergence with the general regime, reducing pensions from 90% to around 60%-70% of the last salary, with cuts that can reach around 30%. The changes depend on the date of registration with the Caixa Geral de Aposentações and introduce age limits (60 years old) and length of service.
The CCP includes the Guard Professionals Association, the Police Professionals Union Association, the Maritime Police Socio-Professional Association, the National Union of the Prison Guard Corps and the ASAE Employees Union Association.
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