First major General Strike since 2013

The UGT union has approved the decision to proceed, in convergence with the CGTP, with a general strike on December 11, against the Government's draft reform of labour legislation.

The decision was approved unanimously and by acclamation by the General Council of the General Union of Workers (UGT), on a proposal from the national secretariat.

"The UGT made this decision after a series of meetings," both bilateral and plenary, within the framework of social dialogue "with the Portuguese Government and with employer partners," stated the UGT's Secretary-General at a press conference, indicating that these meetings "did not result in conditions" to carry out "the proposals that the UGT had."

This will be the first strike to bring together the two main trade union confederations since June 2013, when Portugal was under the intervention of the 'troika'.

Mário Mourão also recalled that when there is a strike, "there are always impacts on income" and said that the UGT did not want to make this decision, but was forced to do so.

"The impediment to the UGT going on this strike is in the hands of the other partners, not in our hands," he stressed.

In the resolution approved by the national secretariat, the UGT argues that the government's proposal was presented "out of time, in a context of economic growth, financial stability and strength in the labour market" and considers that this is "an attack on the spirit of social dialogue, since it reflects a clear option in favour of employers, cutting workers' rights and harming the activity of unions".

The sign in the forefront says "Peace, Bread, and the right to habitation i.e. housing". But so far I think there is peace and bread available in Portugal as well as the ability to procure rental or ownership properties. So what do they really want? Basically what everyone in Europe wants now - free stuff provided to them by the government. But the government has none of that free stuff. And it is the government that always gets in the way of prosperity by overzealous regulations that destroy market initiative and restrict supply. So the strikers are really barking up the wrong tree. Lastly, it is a mistake to assume that the mere fact of desiring something somehow makes that desire a right subject to government providence.

By Tony from USA on 14 Nov 2025, 22:45