Firewood

Gambrinus · Post by **Gambrinus** » Tue Feb 22, 2005 11:03 am

Its funny you should mention that in this context. João Carlos is about as local as they come, his family has lived and continues to live in Carvoeiro and sorroundings for the better part of the last two centuries. If I ask him who a plot of land or an old ruin belongs to, it is usually a distant relative or somebody else he knows. It is probably due to his connections that he has had some success with his local buisness.

One thing that did strike me, was that despite his affection for Carvoeiro and the locals, he has only employed two local workers, one of them is his own son. The rest are ukranian. When I asked him how this came he told me quite simply, one of these men worked more than three algarveans put together.

I had a chance to work with him directly on a garden re-design and these guys were great - they worked seven days solid, weekend and all.

Sadly, there are few locals left that would work so hard to earn a living. Most of the locals have become passive, lazy or turned into crooks.
Personally, I wish to support those people in Carvoeiro who get the job done....properly.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Feb 22, 2005 11:24 am

Sadly.......I have to agree...(My Ukranian Gardeners are superb) ....I have so much work to be done here and wish to employ some good Ukranians (Or other Old Eastern Block)....I could easily employ three or four full time..........BUT...where do I find them and how do I know if they are legal........and finally what is the correct and fare wage to pay them ...

Advise pls.

Gambrinus · Post by **Gambrinus** » Tue Feb 22, 2005 12:29 pm

To work in Portugal they have to be able to produce a valid visa from the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras.

The salary for a gardener should range from 6 to 10 Euros per hour.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Feb 22, 2005 12:37 pm

Can anybody advise me where to find these chaps.........is there any central point they tend to 'Hang Out'......

Gambrinus · Post by **Gambrinus** » Tue Feb 22, 2005 12:45 pm

If they are legal and out of work, it is most likely that they have signed up for work at the unemployment office in Portimão. I think that will be your best bet to start off with.
Other than that, it probably comes down to recommendation, João Carlos found some of his guys knocking at his gate looking for work - maybe if you leave your contact with hime he can forward the next blokes to you.

John1 · Post by **John1** » Tue Feb 22, 2005 5:48 pm

Guest,
I'm English (not Ukranian) and I am currently looking for work. I was an office worker back in the UK and although I have no gardening experience I am willing to work at anything. Unfortunately I dont speak Portuguese either. If you would like to get in touch please send me a private message. Thanks,
John Carr