Thousands of Portuguese teachers march against labour reforms and career cuts
Thousands of teachers took to the streets of Lisbon on Saturday to protest against changes to their career status and the government’s labour reforms. The demonstration, organised by the teachers’ union Fenprof, saw angry chants and calls for wider resistance against the proposed measures.
The march started at Cais do Sodré and finished at Restauradores Square. Protesters carried signs and shouted slogans, including ‘To hell with the aura—we’re at the protest!’ Many expressed frustration over what they see as a lack of respect for the teaching profession.
Nicole Sousa, a first-year teacher, criticised the government’s approach, calling it *‘disrespectful’* to educators. Meanwhile, retired teacher Lurdes Rebelo urged younger colleagues to take a more active role in the fight for their rights. Mário Nogueira, a former general secretary of Fenprof, warned that attempts to abolish teachers’ special career status were underway. Current Fenprof leader José Feliciano da Costa added that the labour reform package would impact all workers, not just teachers. Tiago Oliveira, general secretary of the CGTP union, called on all workers to join a general strike planned for June 3. He also accused Education Minister Fernando Alexandre of trying to *‘dilute, distort, and dismantle’* the teaching career.
Fenprof has thrown its support behind the upcoming general strike. The protest highlighted deep concerns over the future of teaching conditions and broader labour rights. The government has yet to respond to the demands raised during the demonstration.
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