A nationwide wage strike by state workers in schools, hospitals, and courts took place in Portugal on Friday, October 24th. The average monthly salary in the country is around €1,700, while teachers earn between €1,000 and €3,000. Unions are demanding a 15% pay rise for public sector employees, but the government has only offered 2.5%.
The strike disrupted public services across the country, causing widespread delays and the postponement of many hospital appointments.
Portugal’s parliament is set to vote on the government’s budget on Tuesday. Prime Minister Luís Montenegro lacks a majority, but the opposition Socialists may abstain to allow the proposal to pass. The plan aims for a budget surplus in 2025 and 2026, alongside higher pensions and lower income and corporate taxes.
