The growth of tourism in Portugal has translated into a significant increase in revenue and profits for companies in the sector, but without this economic improvement being reflected in workers' wages. This disparity between business benefits and workers' working conditions has become the focus of a protest that has now arrived in Coimbra.
Tourism sector workers demand better wages and better working conditions, arguing that the economic success of the sector should also benefit those who work directly in it. The demonstration in Coimbra joins others that have already taken place in other cities across the country.
The protest comes in a context of a constant increase in the number of tourists visiting Portugal, which has generated record revenues for the sector. However, union leaders and workers highlight that the financial gains are not being distributed equitably, keeping wages at levels considered low.
Worker representative organizations argue that a fairer balance is needed between the profitability of tourism companies and the valorization of the professionals who ensure the daily functioning of the sector.
