Portugal braces for second general strike over divisive labor reforms
Portugal faces a second general strike on 3 June as tensions rise over the government’s proposed labor reforms. Trade unions and opposition parties are pushing for the withdrawal of the controversial package, while Prime Minister Luís Montenegro remains firm on moving forward with the changes. The CGTP trade union confederation has warned it will call off the strike only if the government abandons its labor reform plans. Tiago Oliveira, the union’s secretary-general, confirmed that negotiations on amendments could still prevent the walkout. Meanwhile, Paulo Raimundo, leader of the Portuguese Communist Party (PCP), insists the reforms must be scrapped before the strike begins.
The government has until 7 May to decide whether an agreement can be reached in the Social Dialogue Council. This decision will also determine whether the UGT union joins the strike. Despite the pressure, Prime Minister Montenegro has refused to back down from the proposed changes. The final say on the reforms lies with the president of the republic, who has expressed understanding for farmers' struggles but avoided commenting directly on the labor dispute. Before any reform reaches the president’s desk at Belém Palace, it must first pass through parliament. The president has, however, issued a statement in support of workers' rights.
With the strike set for 3 June, the government’s next move will be crucial. If no compromise is found, the CGTP’s walkout will proceed, potentially drawing wider union support. The outcome now rests on parliamentary debates and the president’s eventual decision on the reforms.
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