Portugal's second general strike against labour reform divides government and unions over turnout

A country at two speeds

Portugal awoke to a divided reality on Wednesday as the second general strike against the government's labour reform package took hold. The CGTP union confederation, which called the strike, reported strong adherence, particularly in the public sector. The government countered that the "overwhelming majority" of Portuguese people worked, with the Minister of the Presidency, António Leitão Amaro, stating it was "a day of work for the overwhelming majority of the Portuguese, although it was also a day of strike for some, several Portuguese."

Public sector grinds to a halt

The strike's impact was most visible in public services. The National Federation of Public and Social Workers' Unions (FNSTFPS) reported adherence in the night shift at National Health Service (SNS) hospitals between 95 and 100 percent. Several major hospitals recorded total adherence, including Hospital São Francisco Xavier, Hospital São José, and Hospital de São João in Porto. The Maternity Bissaya Barreto and the University Hospitals in Coimbra also saw 100 percent participation. Schools closed across the country, and at least 48 percent of students were unable to take their Portuguese language exam.

Transport and services disrupted

More than 60 percent of flights at Lisbon Airport had not taken off by late morning. Public transport constraints in major urban centres caused long queues. The Lusa news agency suspended its service, and news production was reduced to a minimum. The AIMA agency reduced its activity by 15 percent. However, the Portuguese Business Confederation (CIP) reported that the strike largely bypassed the private sector, with sectors such as chemicals, metalworking, textiles, footwear, automotive, and large retail seeing practically no adherence.

According to the available and confirmed data, this general strike passed by the vast majority of Portuguese companies.

Protest and confrontation in the capital

Hundreds of workers marched from Rossio to the Assembly of the Republic in Lisbon, starting at 2:30 pm. Chants included "the labour package is a social setback" and "nobody wanted Luís's package!" After the main demonstration dispersed, some protesters clashed with police when the street was reopened to traffic. Objects were thrown at officers, and at least three arrests were made, according to CNN Portugal. The government condemned the "reprehensible behaviour" of a few, while thanking the security forces.

I would like to highlight that, while we deeply regret these condemnable behaviours, which go beyond what is reasonable and acceptable in a free democracy, it is important to make clear that this was the behaviour of a few.

Political reactions and the path forward

Prime Minister Luís Montenegro said the strike "brought nothing new, nor a solution" and only harmed those who could not get to work, children whose schools were closed, and patients whose appointments were cancelled. He called on union structures to reflect on the "purpose, consequences and result of this type of day of struggle." The government's labour law proposal now moves to Parliament for discussion. The CIP president, Armindo Monteiro, called for joint construction in the Social Concertation to avoid "banal strikes" and linked the discussion to wage increases and economic growth.