Train services across Portugal came to a standstill on Thursday, as unions organized a significant general strike—the first of its kind in over a decade—prompting thousands of workers to take to the streets in protest against proposed labor reforms. In addition to widespread disruptions in train services, hundreds of flights were canceled, and many schools closed their doors in solidarity with the striking workers.
The minority center-right government’s proposed reforms aim to amend over 100 articles in the labor code, with officials claiming that the changes would enhance productivity and stimulate economic growth. However, union leaders argue that the reforms unjustly favor employers at the expense of workers’ rights, despite Portugal experiencing a robust economy and low unemployment rates.
The proposed bill has yet to be submitted to parliament for approval, but it is expected to pass with support from the far-right Chega party. Protesters gathered near the parliament in central Lisbon, wielding signs that conveyed their discontent, including slogans like “No to the labor package” and “Firing without reason is doing the boss’ bidding.”
Rafaela Jesus, a 25-year-old administrative assistant, expressed her concerns during the protest, stating, “The reform gives privileges to the privileged and ends up harming those who are already suffering.” Similarly, Helena Monteiro, a 50-year-old teacher, criticized the reforms for contributing to a “general dehumanization” of labor regulations, emphasizing that “workers are human beings and not machines.”
While some public transport services were maintained due to minimum service requirements, the streets of Lisbon remained notably quiet. Although hospitals continued to operate, many surgeries and appointments were postponed due to nursing staff participating in the strike.
The government attempted to downplay the effects of the strike, suggesting that the majority of workers remained on the job, particularly in the private sector, which dwarfs the public sector workforce. Cabinet Minister Antonio Leitao Amaro described the situation as more of a “partial public sector strike” rather than a widespread general strike.
Nevertheless, unions reported significant disruptions affecting various large companies, including the automotive sector around Volkswagen’s Autoeuropa plant near Lisbon, where the morning shift had ceased work. Tiago Oliveira, secretary-general of the umbrella union CGTP, criticized the government for trying to minimize the strike’s impact, asserting that “the workers will certainly resist,” and declaring that a “major general strike” was underway.
As the struggle unfolds, there is a sense of solidarity among the workers, demonstrating their determination to champion labor rights and demand fair treatment in the face of proposed reforms that they believe threaten their livelihoods and dignity.
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