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SEF to strike in April in Portugal

April SEF Strike: Unprecedented Chaos Looms as Border Control Unions Battle Government Amid Easter Crisis

As if things weren’t already a mess at the SEF; it was announced that the April SEF strike is indeed happening. I am sure this will affect both the speed at which paperwork is being processed, AND it will slow down calls even more than they already are. Let’s take a look at the reasons for this April SEF Strike. 

Reasons for the April SEF Strike

The Portuguese government hasn’t fully agreed to the alternative proposal from the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF) unions about integrating workers into the Judiciary Police (PJ), the Registry and Notary Institute (IRN), and the upcoming Portuguese Agency for Migration and Asylum (APMA).

This caused negotiations to fail during Monday’s meeting with the Ministry of Internal Administration (MAI). Hence, the unions decided to unite and call for a strike on April 5-10, during Easter.

The Union of Investigation, Inspection, and Border Inspectors (SIIFF) and the Union of SEF Employees (Sinsef) will join the strike notice from the Union of the Investigation and Inspection Career of the Foreigners and Borders Service (SCIF/SEF), which hasn’t been announced yet.

The government only accepted two changes (pay equality for officers working at border posts and delaying evaluations until 2024). However, specifics still need to be made clear.

A follow-up meeting will take place on April 3 to further discuss the unions’ proposals.

Some disagreements include the unions’ demand for equal pay for SEF inspectors transferred to the PJ, respecting their years of service. Another disagreement concerns the government’s proposal to have SEF inspectors work at air and sea border posts for one year, extendable to two.

Unions argue that the two-year period is too long, and 500 people can be trained in six months, equal to the current number of inspectors at all border posts.

Additionally, unions want the salary supplement for inspectors to continue until they retire from their criminal investigation roles in the PJ.

Lastly, the government’s proposal includes a pre-retirement plan with suspended employment contracts.

The bad news, it’s not just the SEF. Portugal’s Train Conductors will be on strike the entire month of April as well. 

Frequently asked questions

When will the SEF strike take place? 

The SEF strike will take place April 5-10, during Easter

What are the main points of disagreement between the government and the SEF unions regarding the integration of workers into the PJ, IRN, and APMA?

The main points of disagreement include the principle of equal pay for SEF inspectors transferred to the PJ, the proposed transitional assignment of SEF inspectors at air and sea border posts, the duration of training for new inspectors, and the continuation of salary supplements for inspectors until they retire from their criminal investigation roles in the PJ.

What are the unions’ concerns regarding the government’s proposed transitional functional assignment regime for SEF inspectors at air and sea border posts?

The unions’ concerns regarding the transitional functional assignment regime include the length of time SEF inspectors are required to work at air and sea border posts (one year, extendable to two) and the number of inspectors needed for training new staff. They believe the proposed two-year period is too long and that 500 people can be trained in just six months.

How long is the proposed strike by the unions, and what impact might it have on border control and migration services during the Easter period?

The SEF strike will last a total of 5 days. The impact on border control and migration services could be significant, with potential delays and disruptions in these areas due to reduced staff.

What changes did the government agree to, and what specifics are still pending clarification?

The government agreed to two changes: pay equality for officers working at border posts and delaying evaluations until 2024. However, specific terms and conditions for these changes are still pending clarification.