February 2001 saw the conclusion by the Portuguese social partners and government of an intersectoral agreement on employment, the labour market, education and training. The deal - the latest outcome of the country's tripartite social dialogue - seeks to overcome weaknesses in education and
In February 2001, the Portuguese government and social partners signed an agreement aimed at improving working conditions and health and safety at the workplace and combating accidents at work. The accord provides for measures aimed at preventing and combating workplace accidents, and improving
In January 2001, a new law was adopted on immigrant workers in Portugal. The legislation includes measures which will make it easier for immigrants in employment to gain residence rights and allow illegal immigrants to regularise their situation. Overall, the trade unions regard the law as positive
There were no elections of any kind in Portugal in 2000, following the parliamentary elections in 1999. However, intense debate took place in the National Assembly on the issue of government policy. The fact that the ruling Socialist Party (Partido Socialista, PS) has the same number of seats in the
Negotiations began in Portugal in autumn 2000 over the annual civil service pay increases for 2001. Prospects for agreement do not seem bright - trade unions are demanding pay rises to match inflation plus productivity increases, while the government is calling for wage restraint.
In October 2000, the Portuguese Ministry of Education and teachers' trade unions clashed over problems in the annual nationwide application and placement process for teachers. For the 2000-1 school year, many applicants for teaching positions were left jobless and only a small number of job openings
According to figures releases in August 2000, unemployment in Portugal fell to its lowest level for nine years in the second quarter of the year. Trade unions responded by pointing out the increase in precarious work and the problem of low wages. Furthermore, a number of parties have called
In September 2000, Portugal's main trade union confederations, CGTP and UGT, presented their demands and policies for 2000/1. Although the two confederations are pursuing the same basic objectives - such as higher wages and greater equality - there are points specific to each.
In July 2000, a new Basic Law on Social Security was adopted in Portugal. While a number of reforms have been made aimed at improving the system's operation and ensuring its future finances, the basic state-managed nature of social security has not been changed. There are also new ways of involving