The Construction Union of Portugal (SCP) has stated that
"there is no shortage of manpower" in the construction sector, but
rather a lack good salaries. "There is no shortage of manpower, people are
not choosing to work in the sector because they can earn three or four times as
much abroad," said the organisation's president, Albano Ribeiro.
According to Albano Ribeiro, in the last six years, 300,000
workers have left the sector, and 90,000 are currently needed to carry out
public and private works in Portugal.
Highlighting the current situation of the civil construction
sector, Albano Ribeiro said that "in the past, a worker who was from
Amarante and came to Porto on Mondays, then went [home] on Fridays", and
today they can "take a Ryanair flight and go to work in Germany" along
the same lines, but earn €3,500.
Albano Ribeiro also said that "workers who may come to
Portugal are welcome, but we need qualified labour", considering that
"most people who come are not qualified workers".
What exactly is the surprise here? That people can leave Portugal to earn a fairer wage? That Portugal continues to force the Portuguese to live in poverty? That any scumbag is welcome in Portugal while Portuguese citizens are made to live in horrendous poverty? That now Portugal is going to import over 50,000 Africans because wages are too low for Europeans? None of this is new nor does it solve any problems - simply because there is no will to take Portugal out of poverty.
By S from Other on 04 Aug 2022, 16:26
I certainly don't want to live, work or visit a structure constructed by "unqualified" workers. Last year 98 people died in Miami Beach in The Champlain Towers condominium collapse; it happens. The work was shoddy and the inspector was paid off not to write it up was the outcome of the investigation. Hey inspectors, take pride not dark $ in your job or it could be you, your family or friends under the cement!
By Wes from USA on 05 Aug 2022, 04:08
Odd isnt it. Construction companies charge top EU rates but pay 3rd world salaries. And the number of companies that take advantage of immigrants is pretty astonishing.
By Nick from Lisbon on 05 Aug 2022, 06:06
Agreed Nick. Everybody benefiting from huge price increases in real estate (builders, suppliers, estate agents, lawyers, government, etc). Grafters are left behind, as usual.
By Steve from Algarve on 05 Aug 2022, 10:56