Portugal’s first general strike in 12 years disrupts transport and services as unions protest right-wing government’s labour reforms
LISBON: Portugal is bracing for widespread disruption during its first general strike in 12 years.
Unions called the action to protest the right-wing minority government’s planned reforms to workers’ rights.
Public transport, schools, courts and hospitals are expected to face significant interruptions.
Workers are protesting a draft law aiming to simplify firing procedures and extend fixed-term contracts.
The walk-out is expected to be the largest since June 2013 during the country’s debt crisis.
Prime Minister Luis Montenegro insisted the reforms with over 100 measures were meant to “stimulate economic growth and pay better salaries”.
The communist-leaning CGTP and more moderate UGT unions have strongly criticised the plans.
CGTP secretary general Tiago Oliveira called the reforms “among the biggest attacks on the world of work”.
He told AFP the government action would “normalise job insecurity” and “make dismissals easier”.
Oliveira said around 1.3 million out of a working population of five million are already in insecure positions.
Private sector unions are set to join the industrial action.
TAP Air Portugal expects just a third of its 250 usual flights to operate.
The national railway company warned disruption could spill over into Friday.
With a presidential election due in early 2026, Oliveira said the strike was “already a success” for raising public awareness.
Public opinion is largely behind the action, with 61% in favour according to a survey.
On the eve of the strike, Montenegro hoped “the country will function as normally as possible”.
His government can force the bill through with support from liberals and the far-right.
The left-wing opposition accuses Montenegro’s camp of hiding the planned roll-backs during the election campaign.
The prime minister argues Portugal should push through reforms despite current economic growth and low unemployment. – AFP
