Nationwide Strike Looms Over Portugal
Portugal is set to experience a significant nationwide general strike on Thursday, December 11, 2025. The industrial action has been called by the country's two largest trade union confederations, the General Confederation of Portuguese Workers (CGTP) and the General Union of Workers (UGT). This marks the first joint general strike by these two major unions in over a decade, with the last occurring in June 2013.
The Portuguese Minister of Labour, Maria do Rosário Palma Ramalho, has publicly stated her expectation that minimum services will be provided during the strike. She emphasized that unions and workers are legally obliged to guarantee these essential services in vital social sectors.
Labor Reforms at the Heart of the Dispute
The primary catalyst for the strike is the government's proposed labor law reforms, dubbed 'Work XXI'. This comprehensive package includes over 100 changes to the Labor Code, which unions argue will significantly erode workers' rights. Key concerns raised by the unions include provisions that could make dismissals easier, extend the length of fixed-term contracts, and expand the sectors required to maintain minimum services during strikes.
Prime Minister Luís Montenegro has urged the unions to act 'responsibly,' defending the reforms as crucial for making the economy 'more productive and dynamic.' The government maintains that it remains open to dialogue regarding the proposed changes.
Expected Disruption and Minimum Service Provisions
The strike is anticipated to cause widespread disruption across various sectors throughout Portugal. Public transport, schools, healthcare, municipal services, and particularly aviation are expected to be significantly affected.
In the aviation sector, widespread flight cancellations are projected. The National Union of Civil Aviation Flight Personnel (SNPVAC), representing cabin crew, voted to join the strike, with 82% of its members in favor. The union expects 'most flights at Portuguese airports to be grounded,' with operations limited to legally mandated minimum services. TAP Air Portugal has confirmed it will operate flights on December 11 in accordance with minimum services agreed upon with the unions.
Minister Palma Ramalho expressed concern about the impact on citizens, stating that 'those most affected' by the general strike would be 'workers, families, children, and those who need to go to a medical appointment.' Portugal's legal framework explicitly outlines provisions for minimum services during strikes, which can be determined by government ministers if negotiations with unions fail.
5 Comments
Comandante
These reforms are vital for growth. Unions are stuck in the past.
Leonardo
Enough is enough. Stand strong against 'Work XXI'!
Donatello
The proposed labor reforms do seem to lean heavily on making businesses more flexible, but the potential cost to job security for many citizens needs serious reconsideration.
Leonardo
The government needs to listen. This strike is absolutely necessary.
Raphael
The government's push for a more dynamic economy is understandable, but dismissing union concerns about worker protections seems short-sighted and risks social unrest.