Portugal Braces for Historic General Strike on December 11 as Unions Unite Against Labor Reforms

CGTP and UGT Announce Joint General Strike

CGTP and UGT have agreed to hold a general strike on December 11, marking the first such joint action in 12 years. This decision follows widespread discontent over the government's proposed labor law changes.

Union Leaders Rally Workers

In a speech at Restauradores in Lisbon, Tiago Oliveira, the Secretary-General of CGTP, declared, "We announce the holding of a general strike against the labor package." He emphasized that "it was possible to converge on a general strike on the next December 11." Workers at the rally began chanting, "The attack is brutal, we're going on a general strike," highlighting the intensity of their opposition.

Roots of Discontent

The strike is driven by over 100 proposed changes to labor laws by the government, which workers argue threaten their rights and conditions. Unions have criticized the government's lack of openness to reconsidering these reforms, fueling the call for widespread industrial action.

Government's Stance

Despite the protests, the government maintains that it will not prolong discussions and plans to move forward with the labor law amendments. However, the issue remains under review in social concertation talks, indicating ongoing efforts to address concerns.

This mobilization signals a significant moment in Portugal's labor relations, with unions uniting to challenge what they see as an aggressive overhaul of employment regulations.