Azores social sector prepares fresh action over pay and career progression
Social sector workers in the Azores plan a 7 December strike, seeking 2026 pay rises, backdated payments and improvements to career progression.
SINTAP has announced a strike for 7 December 2026 at private social solidarity institutions, known as IPSS, and Misericórdias across the Azores. The action is linked to workers’ demands over pay and career progression.
The union wants the 2026 pay increases to be finalised and backdated to January, alongside improvements to career progression. Formal strike notice is expected to be published on 16 November. The planned action falls on the eve of the Immaculate Conception public holiday.
The announcement follows a strike called by SINTAP in the same sector on 27 and 28 October. That action took place after a meeting between the union and representatives of the IPSS and Misericórdias ended without an agreement on pay increases.
During the October strike, SINTAP reported that more than 4,500 workers took part and over 550 social support services closed. The institutions support people and families across the islands, and any effects of the new strike will depend on how many workers take part.
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