The Government has confirmed that the meal allowance for the Public Administration will be updated already in 2026, bringing forward by one year the revision initially planned. The proposal maintains the increase of 0.10 euros, placing the daily amount at 6.10 euros. Despite this, some unions state that the amount is not yet fully defined and continue to push for a more significant update.

According to information released at the end of the fourth negotiation round, the final proposal will only be known at the next meeting. The Ministry of Finance has already confirmed that it will then present a new version of the meal allowance update for 2026. So far, the proposed salary update also remains unchanged: 56.58 euros for remuneration up to around 2,600 euros or 2.15% for higher salaries.

Public sector unions reacted with frustration to the lack of substantial progress. Fesap stressed that the 10-cent proposal is insufficient, describing the increase as symbolic given the current cost of living. For the union structure, the proposed amount does not match the real needs of workers, arguing that the increase should be more significant to offset the widespread rise in prices.

STE also stressed that the amount may still be revised, although it acknowledges that any increase is positive. However, the organisation considers that the initially proposed increase does not meet workers’ expectations and argues that there is room for adjustments during the negotiation process. Meanwhile, the Common Front described the process as “a conversation” without elements of genuine negotiation, warning of a potential rise in social tension.

The update of the meal allowance will have tax implications, as the IRS-exempt amount will also rise to 6.10 euros in 2026, or 6.20 euros when paid by bank transfer. In the case of payment via meal card, the exempt amount is 70% higher, reaching 10.37 euros next year. This change represents a relevant adjustment for workers and employers, who will need to consider the new limits for IRS and Social Security purposes.

These negotiations fall within the multiannual agreement signed in 2024, which provides for salary updates until 2028 and a review of complementary regimes such as SIADAP, travel allowances and the remuneration statute for management staff. With unions considering joining the general strike called for December, the Government now faces the challenge of balancing budgetary sustainability with measures capable of meeting the expectations of Public Administration workers.