Archive · 14 Nov 2025
Portuguese Government Urges Dialogue Amidst Looming Labour Strike Over Reforms
Imagine Portugal's government wants to change some work rules to help businesses do better, like making it easier to let someone go from their job.
But the people who work, represented by unions, are worried these changes are not fair to them.
They are so concerned that they are planning a big walk-off, called a strike, to show the government they are serious.
The government says they are happy to talk and listen to the workers' concerns.
They believe talking can solve the problem before everyone stops working.
The unions say if the government really listens and changes its plan, they might not need to strike.
Portugal's government is proposing an overhaul of labour laws aimed at increasing business productivity.
The proposed reforms include making dismissals easier and increasing flexibility in working hours.
Two major Portuguese unions, CGTP and UGT, have called for a general strike on December 11.
Unions argue the reforms infringe on labour rights and want them negotiated.
The government states it is open to dialogue and believes a strike would be premature.
- Who
- Portugal's minority centre-right government, two main umbrella unions (CGTP and UGT)
- What
- A planned overhaul of labour laws sparking a call for a general strike.
- When
- The strike is called for December 11; the government made statements on Thursday.
- Where
- Portugal
- Why
- The government wants to reform labour laws to boost productivity, while unions fear these changes infringe upon labour rights and want them negotiated.
Unions
Government
Labour Law Overhaul
Unions
Unions argue the proposed reforms infringe upon labour rights, particularly regarding dismissals and working hours. They believe the changes make dismissals easier and could negatively impact employees.
Government
The government aims to boost business productivity by overhauling labor laws, which they believe are necessary due to Portugal's lagging productivity compared to the EU average. They see the reforms as a way to address structural weaknesses.
Strike Action
Unions
Unions, including CGTP and UGT, have voted to strike on December 11th, viewing it as a necessary measure to pressure the government. UGT leader Mario Mourao stated the strike could be called off if the government presents a new reform plan and negotiates without red lines.
Government
The government views the strike as premature and counterproductive, emphasizing their openness to dialogue and claiming to be actively engaged in conversations with unions and employers to find common ground.
- Date of Strike Call
- December 11
- Proposed Reform Scope
- Over 100 articles of the labour code
- Key Reform Areas
- Easier just-cause dismissals, flexible working hours, lifting limits on outsourcing
- Government's Stated Goal
- Boost business productivity
- Union's Main Concern
- Infringement of labour rights
- Economic Context
- Portugal lags behind EU average productivity due to structural weaknesses