Portugal has been rocked by its first general strike in over a decade, as workers across the country united in protest against sweeping labor reforms proposed by the government. The strike, which began in early December 2025, has caused widespread disruption, grounding flights, halting trains, shuttering schools, and delaying hospital operations. The scale and intensity of the strike mark a pivotal moment in Portugal’s ongoing debate over workers’ rights and economic policy.
According to reports from El Balad and La Izquierda Diario, the general strike was called by Portugal’s two largest union federations, the General Confederation of the Portuguese Worker (CGTP) and the General Union of Workers (UGT). Their rare show of unity recalls the mass mobilizations seen during the eurozone debt crisis in 2013, when austerity measures led to deep public frustration. This time, the unions have rallied against what they describe as an “assault” on workers’ rights, particularly targeting women and younger employees.
The proposed labor reforms at the center of the dispute include more than 100 measures. Among the most contentious are provisions allowing employers to extend temporary contracts indefinitely, lift restrictions on firing and rehiring employees through outsourcing, and remove the requirement to reinstate unfairly dismissed workers. These changes, the unions argue, would make employment significantly more precarious, especially for young workers in their 20s. As La Izquierda Diario notes, the reforms are seen as a “reactionary overhaul” that weakens longstanding labor protections and makes it easier for employers to dismiss staff.
Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, whose center-right minority government is pushing the reforms, maintains that the changes are necessary for Portugal’s economic competitiveness. In a statement highlighted by El Balad, Montenegro emphasized the need to “enhance company profitability and improve worker wages,” arguing that so-called rigidities in the labor market must be addressed to attract investment and foster growth. However, even some members of Montenegro’s own Social Democrat party have expressed reservations, with at least one MP on the UGT executive board voicing dissent.
The impact of the strike has been felt nationwide. On December 8, nearly half of Portugal’s workforce joined the walkout, according to La Izquierda Diario. By December 14, the disruption had reached its peak. Hundreds of flights were canceled by TAP Air Portugal and other airlines, with only a handful of legally mandated services operating. Passengers were left stranded at airports, facing the daunting prospect of rescheduling trips amid a backlog of requests. The country’s flagship carrier allowed affected travelers to rebook flights up to three days before or after the strike without extra charges, but the sheer volume of cancellations made this a challenging process.
Travel chaos extended to the railways and metro systems. Lisbon, the capital and epicenter of the unrest, saw its metro completely shut down. Comboios de Portugal, the state-owned railway operator, announced severe disruptions to both long-distance and local services, leaving thousands of commuters unable to travel. Public transport across the country operated on a skeleton schedule, and refuse collection services experienced significant delays.
Hospitals were also hit hard, with many non-emergency surgeries and appointments postponed as healthcare workers joined the strike. Schools in various cities closed their doors, while those that remained open did so with reduced staff. Public sector offices were shuttered, affecting the delivery of government services. The combined effect has been to paralyze much of Portugal’s daily life, with knock-on effects for businesses reliant on public services and transport.
The tourism sector, a crucial pillar of Portugal’s economy, has suffered a sharp blow. Cities like Lisbon and Porto, which depend heavily on international visitors, have seen a noticeable drop in arrivals. Hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality businesses are feeling the pinch, as travel disruptions deter tourists from visiting. Regions such as the Azores and Madeira, though somewhat insulated from the worst of the chaos, have also faced reduced flight schedules, with only 25 flights operating during the strike period.
For many, the general strike is more than a dispute over specific labor laws—it is a reflection of deeper social and political tensions. The proposed reforms have sparked fierce debate across the political spectrum. Supporters, like air steward Diogo Brito, believe the changes are necessary for economic progress. Others, such as freelance photographer Eduardo Ferreira, side with the unions, citing the ongoing struggle for secure employment in a volatile job market.
The government’s position is complicated by its lack of a parliamentary majority. Montenegro’s coalition is seeking support from smaller parties, including the Liberal Initiative and the right-wing Chega. The looming presidential election in January 2026 adds another layer of political uncertainty, as candidates weigh in on the potential constitutional implications of the labor reforms.
Demonstrations and picket lines have sprung up in at least ten cities, including Lisbon, as reported by La Izquierda Diario. The movement has brought together not only union members but also students, youth groups, and other social movements, all united in their opposition to what they see as an erosion of hard-won labor rights. The sense of solidarity is palpable, with calls for “unity from below” to force the government to reconsider its policies.
As the strike continues, its effects are rippling through every corner of Portuguese society. Businesses are struggling with operational setbacks, travelers are facing uncertainty and delays, and public services are stretched thin. The European Union’s Regulation 261/2004 offers some relief to stranded passengers, mandating care for extended delays, but compensation for strike-related cancellations remains a gray area, especially if cancellations were announced within 14 days of departure.
Looking ahead, the outcome of this standoff could have lasting consequences for Portugal’s labor market and political landscape. Should the government push through its reforms, it risks deepening divisions and prolonging unrest. Conversely, a retreat could embolden unions and set a precedent for future labor disputes. With the country’s economic recovery still fragile in the wake of the pandemic and global uncertainties, the stakes could hardly be higher.
In the end, Portugal’s general strike stands as a dramatic testament to the enduring power of collective action—and a stark reminder that the balance between economic reform and social justice remains as delicate as ever.
