Portugal’s Biggest Strike in a Decade Disrupts Travel Over Labor Overhaul

Overview

• TAP Air Portugal canceled about two thirds of its roughly 250 daily flights, offered free date changes, and kept three Brazil routes operating between Lisbon and Galeão, Guarulhos, and Porto.
• At least six TAP services between Lisbon and Brazilian cities including São Paulo, Campinas, and Fortaleza were scrubbed as airports, rail, and other services faced widespread disruption.
• Lisbon’s main train station was largely shut, non‑urgent hospital care was curtailed, schools and courts were affected, and unions reported refuse collection stoppages.
• Unions oppose measures that would simplify dismissals, extend fixed‑term contracts, expand minimum services during strikes, allow outsourcing after collective layoffs, trim parental rights, and decriminalize undeclared work.
• Prime Minister Luís Montenegro says the more than 100 measures aim to spur growth and raise pay, polling shows about 61% support for the strike, and the government could pass the bill with liberal and far‑right backing.