Portugal’s CGTP union announces December 11 general strike against government labour reforms, including easier dismissals and reduced bereavement leave
LISBON: Portugal’s largest union has called a general strike for December 11 to protest the government’s proposed labour law overhaul.
The CGTP announced the strike during a Lisbon protest against what it called “one of the greatest attacks ever made against workers” in Portugal.
Prime Minister Luis Montenegro says the reforms aim to increase productivity and introduce more flexibility into the labour market.
The proposed changes would amend more than 100 articles of the country’s labour code.
Controversial measures include easier dismissal procedures and cuts to bereavement leave for women suffering miscarriages.
The reforms would also make it easier for employers to impose more flexible working hours.
CGTP general secretary Tiago Oliveira told the Lisbon rally that implementation would represent “a real setback in the lives of each and every one of us.”
He demanded the government completely scrap the proposed reforms.
Thousands of demonstrators marched through the Portuguese capital carrying banners and chanting slogans against the planned changes.
Montenegro is expected to secure parliamentary passage with votes from his centre-right Democratic Alliance and far-right Chega party. – AFP
