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Portugal’s First General Strike Since 2013 Disrupts Transport, Schools and Public Services

Unions mounted the walkout to protest a labor bill they say weakens worker protections.

A woman walks through a nearly deserted hall of the Lisbon airport at the start of a general strike to protest against a new labour package announced by the centre-right government, in Lisbon, early Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Ana Brigida)
Trucks sit idle at a garbage processing center in Lisbon at the start of a general strike on Wednesday night, Dec. 10, 2025, held to protest a new labor package announced by Portugal's center-right government. (AP Photo/Ana Brigida)
A screen shows departing flights, many cancelled, at Lisbon Airport, at the start of a general strike to protest against a new labour package announced by the centre-right government, in Lisbon, early Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Ana Brigida)
Striking workers block the entrance to warehouses of the Portuguese postal services company stopping trucks leaving, at the start of a general strike to protest against a new labour package announced by the centre-right government, in Lisbon, Wednesday night, Dec. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Ana Brigida)

Overview

  • Train services were largely halted under the one-day action, with minimum-service rules keeping only limited operations running.
  • Flag carrier TAP Air Portugal operated 63 of 283 scheduled flights, and Lisbon’s airport saw dozens of cancellations.
  • Lisbon Metro suspended service from 11 p.m. Wednesday until Friday morning, and national rail plus Porto’s light rail reported widespread disruptions.
  • Hospitals stayed open but postponed most surgeries and appointments as nursing staff joined the strike.
  • The minority government defended the reforms and expects to pass the bill with backing from liberal parties and the far-right Chega, despite union protests.