US EditionPortugal General Strike Halts Transport, Shuts Services
Close to one million workers strike against over 100 proposed labour reforms aimed at easing firing and limiting strike rights, causing widespread transport and public service disruptions.
- Portugal's two main trade union confederations, General Confederation of Portuguese Workers and General Union of Workers , launched a nationwide general strike on Dec. 10, 2025.
- Unions oppose the labour-law reform package with more than 100 measures, including easing dismissals, curbing strike rights, and limiting breastfeeding breaks to a proposed two-year limit.
- Public support stands at 61 percent, and the CGTP and UGT have joined forces for the first time in more than 10 years.
- Lisbon Metro suspended services at 11pm on Wednesday and plans to resume early on Friday; refuse collection was at a standstill, non-urgent hospital departments affected, and TAP Air Portugal expects only a third of its 250 flights.
- With Portugal set to elect a new president in early 2026, unions said the strike had drawn attention and was `already a success`.
124 Articles
124 Articles
On the day of general strike, the streets of Lisbon were filled with protesters who criticized Luis Montenegro and a "perish" working package.Protests concentrated people of all ages and professions.
Portugal general strike stalls transport, closes schools in labour reform protest
LISBON, Dec 11 - Train services ground to a halt across Portugal on Thursday, hundreds of flights were cancelled, and schools closed as unions launched a first general strike in more than a decade, in protest against proposed labour reforms. Read more at straitstimes.com.
The government's reform plans are 'one of the biggest attacks on working life' in Portugal, says union boss.
On Thursday 11 December, trade unions launched the first call for a general strike in 12 years to oppose the "Work XXI" proposal, which provides for more than 100 legislative amendments concerning the world of work.
In schools, hospitals and many other places, Portuguese people have laid down their work. The reason for this is a controversial reform of labour law.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 44% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
