The maintenance strike called by the Metro and Railway Workers Union that was affecting the operation of the Porto Metro was called off, according to a note from the CP administration to which Lusa had access this Monday, February 16th.
“The Board of Directors informs that it has reached an agreement with STEMEFE – Metro and Railway Workers’ Union (STMEFE). This understanding reflects the convergence of the positions of CP and the union with regard to the application and evolution of working hours of workshops involved in the maintenance of the Porto Metro”can be read in a message to which Lusa had access.
According to the text, “the agreement reached made it possible to call off, with immediate effect, the declared strikes”, which had lasted since January.
“CP recognizes and highlights STMEFE’s openness to being part of the solution and reaffirms its commitment to continue working with everyone involved to ensure a fair and motivating work environment”also mentions the message from the company’s management led by Pedro Moreira.
According to the message, “the parties recognize that it is essential for the sustainability of CP to reinforce and consolidate the climate of labor peace emerging from the process of dialogue and social consultation”.
On Tuesday, Metro do Porto had announced the reduction of vehicles and frequencies on several lines due to the strike in CP services that ensure the maintenance of trains.
“Due to the strike in CP’s maintenance services, which is causing major constraints on our operation, the Porto Metro timetables will be updated from tomorrow [quarta-feira]February 11th. The objective is to guarantee a provisional adjustment that, as much as possible, meets the existing possibilities in terms of supply”according to a statement sent to newsrooms.
On January 16, Metrô do Porto announced that Metro circulation in Porto was being affected by a strike at the rolling stock maintenance supplier, which forced the suspension of trips and the circulation of vehicles with lower capacity.
At the time, in a statement, Metro do Porto estimated that from the end of January there would be “a progressive normalization of the availability of rolling stock”.
However, on February 2, the carrier announced that the strike would continue “for a few weeks”
“Due to a strike, to which Metro do Porto is not involved, which is affecting the maintenance operations of the fleets under the responsibility of CP – Comboios de Portugal, the Metro service has been restricted, with some scheduled trips on several of our lines being suspended or taking place with less capacity (in single vehicles, instead of doubles)”reported at the beginning of the month.
Without specifying the percentage of its fleet being affected, it assured that they were “every effort must be made to mitigate the impacts of this situation” and what to look for “guarantee, whenever possible, priority to periods and areas of greatest demand”.
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