Portugal Braces for Major General Strike as Unions Clash with Government Over Labor Reforms

CGTP Initiates General Strike After Government Fails to Present New Labor Proposal

The CGTP, Portugal's largest trade union confederation, has officially submitted a strike notice to the Ministry of Labor, following the UGT's indication of a potential strike extension. This move comes amid escalating tensions over the government's proposed labor law reforms.

Union Leaders Voice Frustration Over Lack of Progress

Tiago Oliveira, the new Secretary-General of CGTP-IN, stated that no new proposals have been received from the government regarding the labor legislation overhaul. He emphasized the union's commitment to building a significant general strike scheduled for December 11, dismissing suggestions of extending it to two days.

Oliveira refuted criticisms from Labor Minister Rosário Palma Ramalho, asserting that the CGTP actively participates in all meetings and is prepared to discuss government proposals. Meanwhile, Mário Mourão, Secretary-General of UGT, revealed that his union joined the strike after feeling cornered by the government's stance, which he believes will push the proposal to Parliament unchanged.

Government Offers Minor Concessions, But Unions Remain Unmoved

In a recent meeting, the government proposed adjustments, including changes to gestational mourning, breastfeeding proof, and reinstating 25 vacation days. However, these were deemed insufficient by the UGT, which has a final scheduled meeting with Minister Palma Ramalho in an attempt to avert the strike.

Widespread Support and Opposition Across Sectors

• Education: Pedro Barreiros of the FNE teachers' federation warned of potential widespread school closures due to high mobilization levels.
• Healthcare: The National Federation of Doctors (Fnam) unanimously voted to join the strike, citing concerns over increased precarity and workload that could weaken the National Health Service (SNS).
• Business Community: Associations like the Confederation of Commerce and Services and the Confederation of Tourism of Portugal criticized the strike as untimely and disproportionate, arguing it could harm investor confidence and disrupt ongoing social dialogue.

Broader Implications and Criticisms

Employer groups, including CIP, condemned the strike for occurring during negotiations and accused unions of resisting change without proposing alternatives. The situation highlights deep divisions over the "Trabalho XXI" draft law, which aims to modernize labor regulations but faces strong opposition from worker representatives.