Portugal saw major disruption to transport, schools, hospitals, and public services on Thursday, December 11th, as the country’s two largest unions, CGTP and UGT, staged a rare general strike against new labour reforms.
The government wants to allow long-term temporary contracts, easier outsourcing and fewer protections for unfairly dismissed workers. Unions say the plans attack workers’ rights, especially for young people.
The strike affects both public and private sectors, including nearly 1,000 workers at Autoeuropa, the country’s largest factory.
Prime Minister Luís Montenegro’s minority government is seeking support from other parties, including the national conservatives Chega, prompting criticism from opposition and unions. Several presidential candidates say the reforms may violate Portugal’s 1976 constitution, raising the possibility of delays or vetoes.
UGT secretary-general Mário Mourão said, “No worker in Portugal is unaffected by these measures—action is needed.”
