A nationwide strike called by Portugal’s two largest trade union confederations on Thursday severely disrupted daily life across the country, paralyzing transport networks and forcing the cancellation of medical appointments at many hospitals as well as classes in schools. Public and municipal services were badly affected, including waste collection systems.
According to the Associated Press, the unions said the strike could be the largest in Portugal in the past 10 years. Together, the two labor confederations represent nearly one million workers and are protesting against proposed labor reforms put forward by the center-right government. The unions have described the reforms as an attack on workers’ rights, while the government argues that the changes are essential to make the economy more flexible and to accelerate growth.
The draft reform package presented by the government includes proposals to make it easier for companies to dismiss employees, to restrict the right to strike in more sectors of the economy, and to limit paid breastfeeding breaks for mothers to a child’s first two years. Currently, such breaks are available without a fixed time limit. The package also contains several other measures that unions say weaken labor protections.
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As a result of the strike, Lisbon’s streets were noticeably quieter than usual. Many residents either took part in the strike or chose to work from home due to the disruption of public transport. Traffic levels were minimal compared with the city’s normal daily activity.
At Lisbon International Airport, dozens of flights were canceled after pilots, cabin crew, and baggage handlers joined the strike. Although the airport remained officially open, it was largely quiet and subdued inside. The national carrier, TAP Air Portugal, maintained legally required minimum services, operating only 63 flights out of a scheduled 283.
Rail and bus services across the country were almost entirely halted. Lisbon’s metro system suspended operations from 11 p.m. on Wednesday and announced that services would not resume until Friday morning.
The strike also extended to factories, warehouses, and a wide range of private companies, where large numbers of employees walked off the job. Several business districts and shops in Lisbon were forced to close due to staff shortages.
This marks the first time since 2013 that Portugal’s two main labor confederations—the General Workers’ Union (UGT) and the General Confederation of Portuguese Workers (CGTP)—have jointly led a nationwide strike.
Tiago Oliveira, head of the General Confederation of Portuguese Workers, said workers are demanding that the government withdraw the proposed labor reform package. “We are seeing workers call on the government to take these reforms back. This strike is a strong response by workers to the government’s attack,” he said.
Portugal has one of the smallest economies among the European Union’s 27 member states, and labor unions say wages in the country are among the lowest in Europe. Official data shows that the average monthly salary before tax stands at around €1,600, while the minimum wage is €870, a level earned by millions of workers.
Rising living costs have further increased public pressure, with inflation remaining above 2 percent and property prices climbing sharply across the country. These factors have significantly added to the financial strain on households.
According to the European Commission, Portugal’s gross domestic product is expected to grow by around 2 percent this year, higher than the EU average of 1.4 percent. The unemployment rate stands at approximately 6 percent, broadly in line with the European Union average.
