“The majority are workers who went on strike in November. It is a covert way of ‘freeing’ themselves from the most demanding”, states, without hesitation, the coordinator of the National Union of Food and Beverage Industry Workers (STIANOR). José Armando Correia accuses Gencoal of “retaliation” and promises to challenge the dismissal of 97 people at the Caxinas cannery, in Vila do Conde. Even so, at the factory, few believe in a U-turn anymore. The dismissal should be formalized next Tuesday.
“We do not see, on the company’s part, any openness to back down”, explained José Armando, yesterday, after leaving a meeting with the Vila do Conde Chamber and the Institute of Employment and Professional Training (IEFP). STIANOR has not yet been able to meet with the Gencoal administration, which, for now, has only scheduled a meeting with the 97 workers for April 2, in which the dismissal will be formalized, which has already been communicated by letter.
Union delegate Marta Cunha is one of those dismissed. She is 36 years old, has been home for eight years. She guarantees that, “like many colleagues”, she does not fit into the criteria mentioned: “If I have a clean disciplinary record, if I don’t have problems with lack of productivity and commitment, I ask myself why is this happening to me?”.
At the factory, he explains, the atmosphere is now one of “consternation, doubt and a lot of fear”. Marta is no exception: two young children, the only one with stable employment in the household, a house and all the associated expenses to pay. “I see myself adrift”, she says. Among her colleagues there is “fear of speaking” and then “leaving without the rights”.
“A few weeks ago, at a meeting here at the Chamber, the company showed its desire to invest in Vila do Conde and expand its facilities. I cannot deny my great surprise at this dismissal”, stated the president of the Chamber. Vítor Costa knows that the situation will have “a major impact on Caxinas”. He promises to take care of the most emerging social cases and guarantees that “these workers will not be alone”. From Gencoal, for now, not a word.
