In December 2002, a number of amendments were approved to Portugal's law on immigration, governing the entry and residence of non-EEA foreign nationals. The changes provide for a periodical analysis of the Portuguese labour market as a fundamental factor in deciding the entry of foreign nationals
A technological and work organisation overhaul at the Opel Portugal motor manufacturing plant in Azambuja over 2001-2 has been accompanied by major improvements in health and safety and award-winning active equal opportunities measures. This article reviews the main developments at the plant.
Over the second half of 2002, the industrial relations agenda in Portugal has been dominated by the government's proposal for a Labour Code, which would replace most current labour legislation by bringing existing provisions together in a single text. At the same time, current provisions would be
This feature examines social partner involvement in Portugal's 2002 National Action Plan (NAP) for employment. It is one of a set of similar features for all the EU Member States, written in response to a questionnaire
In September 2002, the board of the Portuguese national broadcasting company, RTP, called for some 1,000 of its employees to resign, with additional compensation, or take early retirement. The move is linked to major restructuring of RTP. By November, 600 employees had left the company.
In October 2002, debate intensified in Portugal over the government's proposal for a Labour Code, which would replace most current labour legislation by bringing existing provisions together in a single text. At the same time, current provisions would be amended in a variety of areas, including
In August 2002, the implementation of public sector reforms in Portugal led to protests, strikes and other trade union activity in areas such as health, justice, education and local administration. Trade unions are considering calling a general strike in the autumn.
A study of child labour issued in July 2002 finds that some 49,000 children worked in Portugal in 2001. While overall child labour has risen since 1998, the employment of children in companies has fallen, but is still significant in the textiles, footwear, agriculture and domestic labour sectors
In summer 2002, the Portuguese textiles and footwear industries are facing a crisis, with large numbers of company closures and relocations and many job losses. The sector's social partners , and especially trade unions, are demanding local, regional and national solutions from the government.
A government Order adopted in Portugal in March 2002 aims to encourage permanent employment by means of financial subsidies for companies that convert a fixed-term contract, on expiry, into an open-ended contract. The new legislation is seen as necessary because fixed-term employment is continuing