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Madeira Initiates Process to Restore Teachers' Lost Service Years

Madeira GuideMadeira Guide
February 3, 2026
3 min read

The Madeira government announces a plan to restore service years lost by teachers due to career transitions since 2008, a move welcomed by local unions.

In a significant move for educators on the island, the Madeira government has unveiled a new initiative to restore the years of service that teachers lost during career transitions dating back to 2008. This decision has been met with approval from local teaching unions, who have long advocated for this change.

The Secretary of Education, Science, and Technology of Madeira is leading the effort, as confirmed by the Sindicato dos Professores da Madeira (SPM). The union has highlighted the importance of this recovery, describing it as a critical step towards addressing longstanding grievances.

Francisco Oliveira, the president of SPM, expressed optimism, stating that the current government has shown a willingness to go beyond previous offers. "The recovery of service years lost in career transitions has been a significant demand since 2008," Oliveira remarked.

Echoing this sentiment, the Sindicato Democrático dos Professores da Madeira (SDPM) also expressed satisfaction with the agreement. They noted that the recovery process would benefit teachers from private institutions, as well as those from mainland Portugal and the Azores, with the full restoration set for September 1, 2026, and continuing into 2027.

José Nunes, a representative of the SDPM, emphasized the importance of this agreement, which was one of three key negotiations recently undertaken. He described it as an essential step in restoring fairness and equity for educators who have faced professional setbacks due to the frozen service years.

This development is particularly relevant for Madeira, where education is a cornerstone of community and cultural development. The restoration not only addresses past injustices but also strengthens the educational framework on the island, benefiting both residents and the many tourists interested in Madeira's rich cultural heritage.

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Madeira Guide

Madeira Guide

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