The upcoming general strike in Portugal on June 3, 2023, is set to impact a wide range of sectors, including transport, education, health, and public services. Organized by the General Confederation of Portuguese Workers (CGTP), this strike was announced on May 1, coinciding with Labour Day, and is aimed at protesting proposed changes to the Labour Code under the initiative “Trabalho XXI.”
Protest Against Labour Code Revisions
The proposed reforms, introduced by the PSD/CDS-PP government, entail over 100 modifications to existing labour legislation. These changes have been labeled by the CGTP as an infringement on workers’ rights and a violation of the Constitution of the Portuguese Republic. Despite the pushback, the government, led by Luís Montenegro, has characterized the labour reform as a necessary adjustment to enhance productivity, increase wages, and adapt to the digital economy.
The bill is currently with the Assembly of the Republic, although no date for a debate or vote has been set yet.
Impact on Transport Services
Significant disruptions in transportation are anticipated. The FECTRANS (Federation of Transport and Communications Unions) has already issued strike notifications. Key transport services affected will include:
- CP (Comboios de Portugal) – train services will experience delays.
- Lisbon and Porto metro systems – with limited operation on select lines.
- Bus and tram services managed by Carris, Transtejo, and Soflusa.
CP has stated that passengers can obtain refunds or rebook to accommodate the strike’s impacts. Air travel will also be affected, with TAP announcing operational limits due to imposed minimum service levels.
Health Sector Participation
In the health sector, various unions, including the Portuguese Nurses’ Union (SEP) and others representing doctors, will join the strike. This will affect public and private healthcare services throughout the day. While essential health services will still be staffed, many regular operations will be compromised, including treatments like chemotherapy and emergency services.
Education Sector Response
Educational institutions are also gearing up for the strike. The National Federation of Teachers (FENPROF) has declared a total work stoppage across all educational establishments. This includes public, private, and social sector institutions, and will impact all levels of education. The National Higher Education Union (SNESup) has joined the movement, emphasizing the labour law’s negative implications for workers’ rights.
Public Services and Other Sectors
Workers from public services and local government will also participate in the strike, aiming to express dissatisfaction with proposed labour reforms. Services may largely halt, echoing the disruptions experienced during a previous strike in December.
| Sector | Union Involved | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Transport | FECTRANS | Strikes in metros, buses, and trains |
| Health | SEP, FNAM | Disruptions in hospitals and health centers |
| Education | FENPROF, SNESup | Class cancellations and unstaffed offices |
| Public Services | FNSTFPS, STAL | Service disruptions among local governments |
Conclusion
The implications of the general strike may be felt across numerous sectors, indicating widespread dissatisfaction with proposed labour changes in Portugal. As stakeholders prepare for June 3, the call to action underscores a collective push to safeguard workers’ rights amid ongoing legislative challenges.
