Chega calls for repayment to former Lajes Base workers
Azores GuideThe sustainability factor was restored in 2024, but former Lajes Base workers who left between 2015 and 2024 were not reimbursed, according to a press note.
After a meeting with the commission of former Lajes Base workers on Terceira, Chega/Açores deputy Francisco Lima said 450 former Portuguese workers had a penalty applied through the sustainability factor when they took early retirement between 2015 and 2024 because of workforce reductions at the base.
Lima said the workers should be reimbursed. The amount is about €7.8 million.
Lima said Chega votes in favour whenever legislation to resolve the issue is presented in the Assembly of the Republic. He challenged PS and PSD to support repayment, saying the former workers are willing to receive the €7.8 million in instalments.
The meeting also discussed soil contamination in Praia da Vitória linked to the use of Lajes Base by the United States. According to the report, the former workers want the issue clarified without politicising it or commissioning studies that could become an economic problem for Terceira. Lima said workers need to know the impact on their health.
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Azores Guide
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