“The possible adoption by some public services of this measure, with a reduction in the normal working day, unless it is applied to all public services, generates inequalities among workers, which could violate the legality of the legislation”, warned João Decq Mota, leader of CGTP - General Confederation of Portuguese Workers, during a hearing at the General Policy committee of the Azorean parliament, meeting in Ponta Delgada.

Heard about a proposal from BE's sole deputy, António Lima, who defends the implementation of a four-day working week in the region, both in the public and private sectors, without loss of income for workers, the union leader left a warning.

“It is not enough to mention [in the legislation] that there is no reduction in remuneration, it is necessary to add 'without loss or reduction of any remuneration, whether salary, meal vouchers, shifts, allowance for failures or other that the worker regularly earns' ”, insisted João Decq Mota.

Conversely, Manuel Pavão, president of UGT/Açores - União Geral dos Trabalhadores, also heard by the deputies, recognised the advantages of the four-day working week, although admitting that it will be a measure that will be difficult to apply in some sectors of activity.

A similar opinion was expressed by Pedro Gomes, coordinator of the national pilot project of the four-day week, also heard in the General Policy committee of the Legislative Assembly of the Azores, who argued that the archipelago is in a position to implement the initiative.

“Change is needed and I think the four-day week offers that middle path. I don't think it's left or right. I think that, if we work together, we can achieve a huge improvement in people's lives, without harming the economy”, highlighted Pedro Gomes.

As he explained, there are several advantages for workers in adopting a working week of just four days, firstly by allowing them to have “more time to do what they want”, as well as contributing to the reduction of “work stress”, in addition to enhancing “increased productivity” and reducing costs for companies.

“In many sectors, I think it is possible to implement a four-day week without additional hiring costs”, highlighted Pedro Gomes, adding that, in sectors where it is necessary to reinforce human resources, everything will depend “on the quantitative issue”.

“If they tell me that it is necessary to hire 25% more workers, I say that is not realistic, don’t do it”, he highlighted.

The Regional Government of the Azores has already announced its intention to implement a similar project in the Regional Public Administration.