The President of the Government received today the delegations of CGTP/Açores (General Union of Workers) and UGT/Açores (General Union of Workers) at a meeting where he guaranteed the priority of safeguarding workers' income and rights in this period of economic activity that has already begun in the Region. 

"The recovery process of our economy must also be reflected in the income and safety of Azorean workers," said Vasco Cordeiro at the end of the meeting that took place as part of a series of contacts with various sectors that began last week. 

According to the President of the Government, today's meeting also addressed the need to improve the training and professional qualification of workers in the private sector during this period of progressive recovery of economic activity. 

Speaking to journalists, Vasco Cordeiro stated that this meeting was an opportunity to learn about the position of workers' unions on the period when restrictions were enforced, but, above all, their prospected for the future, particularly in this new phase of recovery. 

The President of the Government added that the Agenda for the Social and Economic Recovery of the Azores is about to be completed and will then be put under public consultation, as previously planned. 

"There was a clear and unequivocal concern in the Regional Government's approach to the situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which was the absolute priority given to the defence of public health. 

Simultaneously, priority was also given to the defence of employment and the recovery of the economy," stressed Vasco Cordeiro. 

In this regard, the President of the Government emphasised that several indicators "clearly demonstrate the good use" of the measures implemented nationally and regionally on the part of Azorean companies as well as their commitment to maintaining employment in the Azores. 

According to the latest data from the Institute for Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP) regarding the number of unemployed registered at employment agencies, the Azores were the only national region where unemployment fell in April compared to the same month of the previous year. 

"This is an indicator that encourages us to move forward, but we should continue to mobilise all efforts, taking into account the size of the challenge that still lies ahead," concluded Vasco Cordeiro.