10 months ago
Portugal General Strike Halts Transport Over Labour Reforms
In Portugal, a big protest called a general strike happened on December 11, 2024.
Workers from many jobs stopped working to show they don't like new rules the government wants to make.
These new rules are about how people can be fired, how companies can use outside workers, and special rights for moms who are breastfeeding.
The government says these changes will help the economy, but the workers say it's not fair because it gives more power to bosses.
Because of the strike, many trains, flights, and schools were closed.
Some hospitals stayed open, but many appointments were canceled.
The last time there was a general strike in Portugal was in 2013, when the country was going through a tough time with money problems.
A general strike in Portugal on December 11, 2024, halted train services, canceled flights, and closed schools in protest against proposed labour reforms.
Unions CGTP and UGT organized the strike, the first since 2013, to oppose reforms they say favor employers over workers' rights.
The government insists the reforms will boost productivity and economic growth, with backing from the far-right Chega party.
Key reforms include easing just-cause dismissals, lifting outsourcing limits, and capping flexible-work rights for breastfeeding mothers at two years.
While some public transport operated due to minimum service requirements, hospitals remained open but with postponed surgeries and appointments.
- Who
- Unions (CGTP and UGT), Portuguese government, workers, and employers
- What
- A general strike protesting proposed labour reforms
- Where
- Portugal, affecting transport, schools, and healthcare services
- When
- December 11, 2024
- Why
- To protest against labour reforms that unions claim tilt power toward employers and reduce workers' rights
Key facts
- Strike Date
- December 11, 2024
- Last General Strike
- June 2013
- Expected Flight Operations
- One-third of 260 daily flights
- Unions Involved
- CGTP and UGT
- Government Backing
- Far-right Chega party
- Labour Code Changes
- More than 100 articles
- Key Reform Measures
- Easing just-cause dismissals, lifting outsourcing limits, capping flexible-work rights for breastfeeding mothers
Quotes
Tiago Oliveira
Secretary-general of the umbrella union CGTP
“We’ll have a big general strike… Our appeal is for every worker to use this day as means to reject the labour reform”
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Luis Montenegro
Prime Minister of Portugal
“The government respects the right to strike, it has been a government of dialogue… But it is a government with a reformist spirit and will not give up on being reformist and transformative”
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Joao Silva
32-year-old stationery store worker
“I don’t have a permanent contract. I can’t go on strike. They want to fire older people so they can hire younger people and, obviously, with lower salaries… Why do (labour changes) always have to be in favour of company profits?”
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