Private security workers in Portugal secure inflation-busting pay rise

Following employers’ attempts to retract previously agreed terms, private security workers in Portugal and their unions STAD and Sitese mobilised successfully for an inflation-busting sectoral collective agreement. The workers secured a 2-year-salary increase twice as high as the inflation forecast for 2025 and 2026.

This success in Portugal marks a significant achievement in improving essential workers’ pay and conditions. As a global survey conducted by UNI Global exposed, 57 per cent of security workers expressed dissatisfaction with their pay amidst a global cost of living crisis. They reported forced overtime, underpayment and irregular, exacerbating the financial strain on workers.

The survey results underscored the urgent need to improve pay, safety, and training standards in the security sector. As employers continue to fall short, the role of unions in advocating for better conditions becomes even more critical. The victory by security workers in Portugal confirms it: unionised workers who bargain collectively win better pay and fair working conditions. Looking ahead, the union and workers will monitor the implementation of this agreement to ensure compliance.

“With their impressive victory, the private security workers in Portugal have shown that by organising in a trade union and bargaining collectively, big improvements in pay and conditions are possible. We congratulate the workers and our affiliates STAD and Sitese for securing an inflation-busting collective agreement and we wish them all the best for building on this progress in future negotiations,” said Oliver Roethig, UNI Europa’s Regional Secretary.