UGT Threatens to Extend General Strike to Two Days in Labor Law Standoff with Government

UGT Hardens Stance on Labor Law Proposal

Mário Mourão, the secretary-general of UGT, has taken a firm stance, stating that the Government has backed the UGT into a corner. This led to the union's decision to break with the government and join the CGTP in calling for a general strike on December 11. Mourão explained that this move came after the government signaled its intent to submit the labor law draft to Parliament without changes, unless UGT agreed to formalize a deal.

In interviews with Antena 1 and Jornal de Negócios, Mourão expressed confidence in strong participation in the strike and dismissed the possibility of a last-minute resolution. However, he left the door open for UGT to reconsider if the government pauses, listens, and reflects. A clear warning was issued: if the government presents a similar document in upcoming meetings on November 19 and December 10—described by Mourão as inconsequential—the union is considering extending the strike to two days instead of one.

Immediate Impact and Criticisms

Among the harshest criticisms is the immediate effect of the labor law draft, even before parliamentary approval. Mourão reported that some companies are already acting as if the text were law, citing an example involving EDP.

He emphasized that the government created obstacles in collective bargaining negotiations by introducing red lines not disclosed at the start. Key issues include the individual time bank, which UGT views as a non-negotiable boundary.

Government's Role and Proposals

Mourão noted that the government has ceased its mediation role, acting instead as an interested party, which he believes hindered potential bilateral agreements between unions and employer confederations. Regarding new proposals from the government of Luís Montenegro, Mourão warned that in areas like outsourcing, the changes are even worse than the initial draft.

For UGT, the current text is not sufficient to foster a genuine negotiation environment. The union's secretariat and legal department are analyzing the proposals and will respond with counter-proposals.

Revised Government Proposal Details

The government's revised proposal, delivered before the formal strike decision, includes some advances such as restoring three days of vacation for attendance, adjustments to breastfeeding leave, and maintaining three days of gestational bereavement leave for fathers. However, it does not retreat on critical matters for unions: individual time bank, extension of fixed-term contracts, flexibility in reinstatement after unlawful dismissal, and lifting restrictions on outsourcing.

First general strike in 1982 under Prime Minister Francisco Pinto Balsemão; the first with CGTP and UGT agreement was in 1988 under Cavaco Silva's first absolute majority.