EuroCOP assists in improving negotiations in Portugal

A more open dialogue between the Portuguese Police Union and the government. That was the result of EuroCOP's visit to Lisbon on April 19-20, 2007.

 

Following disciplinary sanctions against police union representatives from EuroCOP Member SINAPOL, related to critical public statements about conditions in the police in Portugal, the EuroCOP Executive Committee decided to arrange a meeting with police and political representatives in Lisbon. During the two day visit the EuroCOP Executive Committee met the Deputy Interior Minister José Magalhães and the Deputy Police Director António Chumbinho. A meeting also took place with opposition party parliamentarians and representatives of the second largest police union in Portugal, SPP.

EuroCOP Executive Committee meets Portuguese Deputy Interior Minister José Magalhães.

The EuroCOP Executive Committee was represented by President Heinz Kiefer, Vice President Jan Schonkeren, Treasurer Manuel Lopez and Committee Member Norrie Flowers. Police unions were only permitted in Portugal in 2002 following a collective complaint against Portugal in the Council of Europe. Police Officers are allowed to organise and can make use of collective rights with the exception of the right to strike.

EuroCOP President Heinz Kiefer being interviewed by local Portuguese media.

SINAPOL Police Union car with complimentary police.