Lisbon's May Day rally unites unions against controversial labour reforms
Thousands gathered in Lisbon on May Day to protest the government’s proposed labour reforms. The rally started slowly, with only a few people at Martim Moniz Square by 2:30 p.m., but grew as union leaders and politicians took the stage to voice their opposition. By mid-afternoon, the march officially began just after 3:15 p.m. Tiago Oliveira, secretary-general of CGTP, was already present, alongside party leaders like Isabel Mendes Lopes of Livre and José Manuel Pureza of the Left Bloc. Oliveira declared that 'the only path is to reject the labour reform package', setting a firm tone for the event.
José Luís Carneiro, the Socialist Party’s secretary-general, arrived shortly after. He waited nearby before briefly greeting union leaders. Later, at Jamor, he called on Prime Minister Luís Montenegro to 'abandon his stubbornness and drop the labour reform'. Other figures also spoke out strongly. UGT Secretary-General Mário Mourão made it clear that his union would not compromise on the government’s key demands. President António José Seguro added his support, emphasising the need to defend 'the dignity of labour'. The CGTP later announced a follow-up strike for June 3 to keep pressure on the government.
The May Day rally ended with a clear message: unions and left-wing parties remain united against the labour reform. A strike planned for June 3 will test whether the government will reconsider its proposals or face further opposition.
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