Have you ever wondered whether your labor rights have been violated? Illegal situations are more common in the workplace than you might imagine, because labor laws have several specificities. Discover the organizations and websites where you can consult workers’ rights.
Furthermore, many people sign an employment contract and do not know how to understand its provisions or simply are unaware of workers’ rights.
Later, when they are subject to some irregularity, such as harassment at work or failure to pay overtime, they need consult the law and even ask for legal assistance.
Where to consult workers' rights
Workers' rights are enshrined in Constitution of the Portuguese Republic and in Labor Code.
This legislation was created to protect the working class both in the public and private sectors, granting numerous rights and decent working conditions, aligned with values of equality.
You articles 58 and 59 of the Constitution of the Portuguese Republic define the right to salary, hygiene and safety conditions, assistance in situations of unemployment, work accidents or occupational illness and the limit of duration of work.
Already in Labor Code rights that aim to reinforce the balance between professional life and family life, as is the case of protection in parenting, as well as the right to vacation and rest.
At the same time, it also addresses the obligation to offer professional qualification to workers, duties of employers (article 127 of the Labor Code) and the prohibitions of these (article 129 of the Labor Code).
Unions – structures of collective representation of workers
Unions' main function is to represent and defend the interests and rights of workers. Most unions are organized by professional category and play an important role in negotiation with the State and employers to achieve better working conditions at a collective level.
In addition, unions also provide support to their members on employment-related issues, such as health and safety issues at work, workplace harassment, dismissals, among others.
Therefore, turning to these associations and entities is also a solution to obtain help, as one of their functions involves resolve conflicts between employers and workers, through mediation and negotiation.
Some unions also provide information and advice on labor laws, collective bargaining and workers' rights on their websites. This is the case of the CGTP (General Confederation of Portuguese Workers), the UGT (General Union of Workers), the CES (Economic and Social Council) and the CRL (Center for Labor Relations).
Websites and Public Organizations to support workers
To clarify any situation that arises at work or just to find out about your rights, you can consult the following public bodies:
1. Directorate-General for Employment and Labor Relations (DGERT) – This website contains all legislation related to work and workers’ rights in Portugal. It is an official and reliable source for consulting labor laws.
2. Labor Code – Here you can find the full text of the Labor Code in Portugal and all the changes that have been made since its entry into force on the Electronic Official Gazette website.
3. Authority for Working Conditions (ACT) – It is the website of the Authority for Working Conditions, which is responsible for monitoring and supervising compliance with labor laws in Portugal. The site contains information about labor laws and workers' rights.
4. Commission for Equality in Labor and Employment (CITE) – On this website it is also possible to consult labor legislation in Portugal. Contains useful and up-to-date information on the rights and duties of workers in Portugal and focuses on equality and non-discrimination between women and men at work.
Are you looking for a new professional opportunity?
If your current job no longer provides you with the same motivation and happiness, this could be the tip you need to give your professional life a new direction and look for new opportunities.
Nowadays, one of the most effective and quickest ways to find work is through professional networking. But it's not always easy to find new contacts or create the right connection that can lead to the desired opportunity. Therefore, it is important to participate in events where you can connect with others.
A Bolsa de Empregabilidade organizes job fairs every year for Tourism and Hospitality professionals, in various areas of the country. In addition to being able to speak directly to recruiters, candidates meet other professionals and increase their visibility.
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