As December 2025 approaches, Europe is bracing for a wave of labor unrest that is set to disrupt the lives of millions — from daily commuters to international travelers and local workers. In Portugal, the tension is palpable as unions and the government remain locked in a standoff over controversial labor reforms. Meanwhile, neighboring countries like Italy and France are also preparing for major strikes, raising the specter of widespread travel chaos during the busy holiday season.
In Lisbon on November 27, the Secretary-General of UGT, one of Portugal’s largest trade unions, did not mince words when addressing the government’s approach to labor negotiations. "The Minister [of Labor] is a technical expert. She lacks the flair for fostering a conducive negotiation atmosphere, but this will not deter UGT from staying at the table," declared Mário Mourão, as reported by Portugal Pulse. His comments came during a public debate titled "The Reasons Against Labor Reform," organized by the Associação Causa Pública. The event underscored the growing frustration among union leaders, who feel the government’s draft labor reform law threatens workers’ rights and undermines established negotiation processes.
The criticism was echoed by Tiago Oliveira, Secretary-General of CGTP, Portugal’s other major union confederation. Oliveira accused the Minister of Labor, Maria do Rosário Palma Ramalho, of struggling to explain the government’s rationale for the reforms and being unfamiliar with the institutions involved in social dialogue. "The Minister shows tremendous difficulty in justifying the government’s reasons for pushing this reform," Oliveira stated, adding that the union’s history of signing eight agreements in social concertation proves its willingness to negotiate — a direct rebuttal to the Minister’s claim that CGTP would never sign an agreement.
The heart of the dispute is the government’s proposed labor reform law, which unions argue will make it easier for companies to dismiss workers, reduce mandatory training hours in small businesses, and reinstate controversial measures such as individual time banks and expanded outsourcing. While the government has offered some concessions — like the possible reinstatement of three vacation days previously eliminated by the ‘troika’ — unions say these changes are not enough to address their core concerns.
With negotiations at an impasse, both CGTP and UGT have jointly called for a nationwide general strike on December 11, 2025. The strike, as Mourão emphasized, is seen as a "very serious" step that will impact workers across the country. "The strike is an opportunity when dialogue fails," he said, expressing confidence that there will be "significant support" from the workforce to strengthen the unions’ negotiating position. The unions made it clear that while they are open to continued dialogue, they are prepared to escalate their actions if meaningful progress is not made. Mourão described a recent meeting with Prime Minister Luís Montenegro and the Labor Minister as "very constructive," but insisted that the strike would proceed as planned.
Following the strike announcement, the Ministry of Labor presented a revised proposal to UGT, introducing some changes to the initial draft circulated in July. These included simplifying dismissals in mid-sized companies, reducing mandatory training hours in micro-enterprises, and opening the door to restoring certain vacation benefits. However, the revised proposal maintained several contentious elements, such as the return of individual time banks and the removal of restrictions on outsourcing in dismissal cases. UGT ultimately deemed these revisions "insufficient" to call off the strike, according to Portugal Pulse.
The looming strike in Portugal is part of a broader pattern of labor unrest sweeping across Europe this December. According to European Traveler News, Italy is set to experience one of the continent’s most significant disruptions, with a nationwide general strike scheduled for December 12, 2025. Italian unions representing rail workers, transport employees, and airport staff have joined forces to protest government austerity measures and cuts to public spending. The strike will bring long-distance and high-speed trains, regional rail services, and local public transport in cities like Rome, Milan, Florence, and Naples to a standstill. Even essential services such as schools and healthcare may be affected.
Travelers in Italy are being urged to avoid rail travel on December 12 and to book flexible tickets for alternative modes of transport. The Italian Ministry of Transport and individual rail operators are advising passengers to stay updated on the latest service information, as widespread cancellations and delays are expected nationwide.
France, too, is preparing for transport disruptions, with a series of rail strikes planned for December 2, 2025. French unions are protesting against proposed labor reforms, and the strikes are set to impact both national and regional train services, including the high-speed TGV lines connecting major cities like Paris, Lyon, and Marseille. Airports such as Paris Charles de Gaulle and Orly may also see delays and cancellations, as some airport staff plan to join the strike in solidarity with rail workers. Cross-border travel will not be spared: Eurostar services linking London with Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam are expected to face interruptions due to the French rail strikes.
Back in Portugal, the December 11 general strike will have a particularly acute impact on the aviation sector. Unions representing TAP Air Portugal cabin crew and ground staff have confirmed walkouts, which could lead to the cancellation of numerous flights and severe delays at Lisbon, Porto, and other major airports. Local public transport — including buses, trams, and metro systems — will also be disrupted, making movement within the country challenging for residents and visitors alike.
The timing of these strikes could hardly be worse for travelers, as the actions coincide with the start of the busy holiday season. Millions of people planning to visit or move between Italy, Portugal, and France in early to mid-December now face the prospect of canceled journeys and upended itineraries. Travel experts recommend booking flexible tickets, monitoring schedules closely, and considering alternative forms of transport — such as buses, private transfers, or domestic flights — to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances.
For Portugal, the stakes are high. The government’s labor reform agenda is seen by some as a necessary step to modernize the country’s labor market and attract investment. Critics, however, argue that the proposed changes threaten hard-won worker protections and risk deepening social divisions at a time when many families are already feeling the pinch of economic uncertainty. As the December 11 strike approaches, all eyes are on the government and unions to see whether a last-minute compromise can be reached — or whether the country will grind to a halt as workers take to the streets in protest.
In the end, the coming weeks will test the resilience of Europe’s transportation networks, the resolve of its labor movements, and the ability of governments to balance reform with dialogue. For travelers and workers alike, preparation and vigilance will be the watchwords as December’s strike season unfolds across the continent.
