Portugal’s largest trade union confederation, CGTP, has announced a general strike on December 11 to protest a sweeping labor law reform proposed by the center-right minority government.
Prime Minister Luis Montenegro stated that the reform — which will revise over 100 articles of the labor law — aims to increase productivity and flexibility in the labor market. Among the most controversial measures are the loosening of subcontracting restrictions, simplified dismissal procedures, and greater flexibility in working hours.
However, trade unions argue that the government’s proposals threaten workers’ rights and are demanding that the plan be withdrawn. Thiago Oliveira, Secretary General of CGTP, speaking during a demonstration in Lisbon, described the reform as “one of the biggest attacks ever launched against workers in Portugal.”
“If adopted, this reform will worsen the lives of every one of us,” he added.
Thousands of protesters marched through the streets of the Portuguese capital carrying banners and placards with slogans such as “No to the labor law reform plan” and chanting “We will not back down — this plan must be abandoned.”
