UGT Calls for General Strike as Government Accuses Union of Breaking Negotiations

Minister of Labor Accuses UGT of Intent to Break Off Talks

The Minister of Labor, Rosário Palma Ramalho, stated on Thursday that the UGT's decision to call for a general strike on December 11, 2025, indicates the union's intention to "break off negotiations" with the government. In an exclusive interview with Antena 1, she emphasized, "The threat of this general strike reveals UGT's intention to rupture the negotiations."

Despite this, the government remains committed to dialogue with social partners, as shown in the ongoing discussions on the "Trabalho XXI" draft labor reform. The minister noted that the strike was approved by UGT even though a new bilateral meeting is scheduled for the following Wednesday.

"The Portuguese people do not want a general strike, so from the government's side, negotiations will continue until UGT concretizes its intention to break off," she assured.

UGT Feels "Forced" to Proceed with Strike

In a meeting of its General Council, UGT decided to call a general strike for December 11, 2025, opposing what it calls an "unprecedented attack on workers and unions" and criticizing the government's indifference to real problems faced by the Portuguese. The union described the labor reform as unacceptable and the negotiation process as a sham.

Mário Mourão, Secretary-General of UGT, explained in a press conference, "UGT does not want to go on strike. There are always impacts on workers' incomes." However, he added, "We are forced to do it" because when dialogue and negotiation fail, the streets become the only space to assert their proposals. He clarified that this is not a complete break from dialogue but a necessary step to overcome the deadlock in social concertation.

After the strike announcement last week, the government presented a new proposal on labor reform, but Mourão stated it is "very little" to call off the strike.

Government Maintains "Open Doors" Policy

Following UGT's decision, António Leitão Amaro, Minister of the Presidency, reacted by saying that the Portuguese do not want or understand the strike and reaffirmed the government's openness to dialogue. "We are at the beginning, with open doors, and not just open doors and open arms: it is in an attitude of seeking and approaching," he assured.

He urged against escalating rhetoric, noting that decisions lie with the unions. "There are not even pre-notices, and we hope there won't be any, because the Portuguese do not understand and do not want this strike. The Portuguese want dialogue to happen and advance," he added.

Leitão Amaro further declared, "They asked me who this strike serves, and I assure you who it does not serve: the Portuguese, who will be stranded at train stations, left outside public services, wanting to work but unable to, and wanting to send their children to learn but unable to."