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Portugal Hit by Nationwide General Strike Over Labor Code Overhaul

The minority government defends the overhaul as pro-growth, with passage likely thanks to liberal and far-right support.

Overview

  • TAP Air Portugal plans to operate about one-third of roughly 250 flights, and the rail operator warns disruption could extend from Wednesday through Friday.
  • Early Thursday, Lisbon’s metro stations were closed and many trains were canceled, with minimum services maintained on ferries and some rail lines.
  • The action, called by CGTP with the UGT confederation, targets a draft reform that would lengthen temporary contracts, allow subcontracting after layoffs, and increase minimum services during strikes.
  • CGTP leader Tiago Oliveira labels the package one of the biggest attacks on workers, accusing the government of normalizing precarity, deregulating hours, and facilitating dismissals.
  • Prime Minister Luís Montenegro says the plan will spur growth to create jobs and raise pay, as a local poll reports 61% support for the strike and the bill is seen as passable in parliament.