A second strike in Portugal within six months has brought widespread disruption across the country, with train services suspended, hundreds of flights cancelled, and schools closed.
Trade unions launched the nationwide action in protest against planned labour reforms introduced by the centre-right minority government.
Transport and public services severely affected
The strike led to major interruptions in transport networks. The state railway company CP suspended long-distance and most regional services, while Lisbon’s metro system remained closed.
Air travel was also heavily impacted, with the national carrier TAP operating only 79 of more than 300 scheduled daily flights. Iberia reported expected reductions of between 50% and 75%.
Hospitals postponed most scheduled surgeries and appointments due to staff participation in the strike, while schools across the country closed because of staff shortages.
Unions oppose labour reform plans
The strike was called by Portugal’s largest trade union federation, CGTP, which strongly opposes the government’s proposed changes to labour laws.
Union leader Tiago Oliveira told Reuters that the reforms would worsen working conditions by increasing job insecurity, easing dismissal rules and weakening protections on working hours and parental rights.
He argued that the changes would expand precarious employment and reduce workers’ rights, particularly for younger employees.
Political tensions over reform agenda
The centre-right minority government is expected to push the legislation forward with support from the far-right Chega party.
The proposed reforms would amend more than 100 articles of Portugal’s labour code, aiming to boost productivity and economic growth after negotiations with unions collapsed.
Critics say the measures could allow longer working hours, easier outsourcing of jobs and reduced protections against dismissal.
Concerns over job security and working hours
Workers interviewed during the strike expressed concern that the reforms could lock younger employees into long-term precarious contracts, with longer working hours and fewer protections.
Some argue the changes would make it easier for companies to replace staff with outsourced labour and reduce costs at the expense of job security.
Continued industrial unrest
The latest action follows a previous nationwide strike in December, the first since anti-austerity protests in 2013.
Observers say the scale of the strike in Portugal highlights growing social tensions over labour reform and economic policy in the country.
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