Tens of thousands protest Portugal’s proposed labour reforms

Tens of thousands protest Portugal's proposed labour reforms

Tens of thousands of demonstrators flooded the streets of Lisbon on Saturday, rallying against a government proposal to overhaul labour laws that unions argue will erode workers' rights. The centre-right administration claims the reforms will boost job flexibility and productivity in one of western Europe's weakest economies.

Key changes under fire

The proposed legislation would simplify dismissals, expand outsourcing, and restrict certain types of compassionate leave-including reducing bereavement time for women after miscarriages. Critics call the measures a direct assault on hard-won protections.

Miriam Alves, a 31-year-old employee at a medical device firm, told Reuters the reforms would "clearly push working conditions backward and could destroy job security entirely." Madalena Pena, a 34-year-old archive technician, accused the government of rolling back rights "in an unfair, subtle, and cunning way-without warning before the May election."

Union calls for general strike

Tiago Oliveira, general secretary of Portugal's largest union, CGTP, condemned the bill as "one of the greatest attacks ever on workers" and announced a nationwide strike for 11 December. "If passed, this would be a real setback for every one of us," he warned at the protest.

Organizers estimated 100,000 people attended the demonstration along Lisbon's main avenue, with the Associated Press reporting "tens of thousands." Police did not provide an official count.

Economic backdrop

Protesters also demanded higher wages, citing official data showing over 50% of workers earned less than €1,000 (£879) monthly in 2023. Portugal's minimum wage stands at €870 (£764)-among the lowest in western Europe.

The bill is expected to pass with support from the far-right Chega party, which holds the balance of power in parliament.