60 euro holiday supplement for workers of Museus e Monumentos de Portugal

The Government has approved an availability supplement of 60 euros for each normal working day coinciding with a public holiday for workers of Museus e Monumentos de Portugal, E. P. E. (MMP, E. P. E.) who provide support and public reception services at cultural facilities. The measure is contained in Decree-Law no. 174/2026, published in the Diário da República, 1st series, no. 171, of September 3, 2026, and takes retroactive effect from April 1, 2026.

The diploma amends Decree-Law no. 79/2023, of September 4, which created Museus e Monumentos de Portugal, E. P. E., by adding the new Article 11-A. This is the third amendment to this regime, following those introduced by Decree-Laws nos. 17/2024, of January 29, and 62/2025, of April 4.

Framework and objective

The measure is part of the Program of the XXV Constitutional Government, which provides for the enhancement of careers and workers in the Public Administration, and results from the negotiation provided for in the 2026-2029 Multi-annual Agreement for the Enhancement of Public Administration Workers. The negotiation process was conducted with the trade union structures representing the workers who carry out activities in the cultural facilities of MMP, E. P. E.

The objective is to mitigate the specific conditions of availability and the arduous nature of the activity, since the mission and nature of these facilities require continuous operation, including being open to the public on public holidays. The Government also recognizes the impact of the measure on the promotion of cultural activity and the development of associated economic activities.

What the supplement provides

The new Article 11-A of Decree-Law no. 79/2023 establishes the conditions of the supplement:

• Fixed value of 60.00 euros for each day of actual normal work performed on a public holiday;
• Applicable to workers who carry out support and public reception activities in the cultural facilities assigned to MMP, E. P. E.;
• Without prejudice to the remuneration already legally provided for this situation;
• Annual update of the value in accordance with the percentage increase applied to the Single Remuneration Table of the Public Administration.

Processing and production of effects

The diploma was approved in the Council of Ministers on July 3, 2026, promulgated on August 28, 2026, by the President of the Republic, António José Martins Seguro, and countersigned on August 31, 2026, by the Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro. The diploma is also signed by João Alexandre da Silva Lopes and Margarida Balseiro Lopes.

Under the terms of Article 3, the supplement takes effect from April 1, 2026, which gives the measure a retroactive character, covering work performed on public holidays since that date.

The creation of this supplement represents a significant step in the valuation of cultural careers, recognizing the work performed on public holidays by those who ensure that museums, monuments, and other cultural facilities remain open to the public. For the employees of MMP, E. P. E., the measure translates into a direct and predictable remuneration increase, aligned with the harmonization policy for Public Administration careers.

Source: Diário da República, 1st series, no. 171, September 3, 2026 (official reference: Decree-Law no. 174/2026).