A general strike paralyzed several essential services in Portugal this Wednesday, June 3rd. Long-distance and regional Comboios were suspended. Centenas’s flights were cancelled. Escolas closed across the country due to lack of staff. The protest was called by the CGTP, the country’s main trade union confederation.
The action marks the second general strike in six months. The unions are contesting the package of changes to the Código from the Trabalho proposed by the minority center-right Governo. The executive intends to approve the measure with the support of the Chega party. Negotiations with the unions ended without agreement.
Transportes and airports suffer greater impact from the strike
State rail operator CP suspended most services. The Lisboa subway remained closed. TAP, the flag airline, operated only 79 of the more than 300 usual daily flights. Iberia reduced between 50% and 75% of operations.
- Long-distance and regional Comboios suspended by CP
- Metro of Lisboa closed all day
- Centenas of canceled flights at national airports
- Serviços of buses and ferries with partial membership
- Hospitais postponed most surgeries and consultations
The effects extended to the health sector. Enfermeiros crossed their arms and postponed assistance. The movement also affected the functioning of public services.
União CGTP criticizes central points of the proposed reform
Tiago Oliveira, leader of CGTP, stated that the changes worsen conditions for workers. The package changes more than 100 Código articles from Trabalho. Entre the contested points are the increase in precariousness, the deregulation of working hours and the facilitation of dismissals.
Rodrigo Azevedo, a 30-year-old bank employee, said young people would be trapped in precarious contracts. The proposal would allow 50-hour days without extra pay, according to him. Unions also question the reduction of parental protections and the weakening of the right to strike.
Governo argues that the changes aim to increase productivity and stimulate economic growth. The project facilitates dismissals for just cause and expands the possibility of outsourcing.
Impacto extends to education and minimal services
Escolas across the country closed due to employee compliance. The strike also affected the public administration sector. The movement comes six months after another general strike in December last year, the first since 2013.
CGTP called the action on May 1, Dia of Trabalhador. Outros sectoral unions joined. The UGT, a more moderate confederation, did not formally join, but some members participated.
Reforma goes to Assembleia from República
The minority Governo must approve the text with the support of Chega. The proposal includes changes that make it easier not to reinstate workers in cases of illegal dismissal, through compensation. Também removes limits on subcontracting.
Especialistas follow the development in Parlamento. The discussion of the proposal does not yet have a set date for voting in general. The climate of tension between Governo and unions remains high.
Histórico of strikes reveals pattern of contestation
Portugal experienced similar protests during the period of austerity. The December strike marked the return of major national strikes. The current mobilization repeats the focus on defending labor rights.
Funcionários from different sectors demonstrated adherence to the CGTP call. The protest took place peacefully in most regions. Autoridades monitored the minimum services guaranteed by law.
The day of strike affected the routine of thousands of Portuguese people. Muitos have opted to telework where possible. Public transport was compromised from early in the morning.
Repercussão international follows developments
Agências news reports recorded the impact at airports and stations. Imagens from closed metro entrances circulated in foreign vehicles. The event gains attention because it takes place in a euro zone country.
CGTP maintains the discourse that the reform represents social regression. Governo insists on the need to modernize legislation to face current economic challenges. The clash is expected to continue in the coming months.