Hundreds of Portuguese workers at a U.S. military base in the Azores have been left without pay for nearly a month due to the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, sparking calls for Lisbon to intervene.
Approximately 420 Portuguese nationals employed at Lajes Air Base are directly impacted by the funding lapse in Washington. These employees serve American operations on the island.
The workers, who typically receive salaries every two weeks, have not seen any payment since late September. This has created a complicated financial situation for many families.
Vítor Silva, coordinator for the Union of Manufacturing, Food, Commerce, Office, Tourism and Transport Workers (SITACEHTT) in the Azores, demanded action from the Portuguese government.
Silva stated that if workers do not receive their wages by October 24, Portugal should assume financial responsibility.
“The union argues that in case of non-compliance by the U.S., the Portuguese State should assume responsibility,” Silva said.
The U.S. government funding dispute has now lasted for nearly four weeks. It has disrupted federal operations and delayed payments for various services globally.