Diagnostic and therapeutic technicians to strike in Portugal

Diagnostic and therapeutic technicians in Portugal have called for a strike on November 19 and 20. The action, organized by the National Union of Higher Technicians in Diagnostic and Therapeutic Health Areas (STSS), aims to demand career valuation and improved working conditions.

On the first day of the strike, protesters plan to gather near the official residence of the Prime Minister in Lisbon. The strike on November 20 coincides with a national public administration strike called by the Frente Comum. Key demands include a salary table revision, the allocation of 1.5 points per year in the specific performance evaluation system, the regularization of owed retroactive payments, and the hiring of more professionals.

Technicians are also seeking the recognition of all service time prior to the transition to the special career, including fixed-term contracts. To mitigate impact, minimum services will be maintained in 24/7 facilities, for oncology patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy, and for specific scheduled surgeries and clinical nutrition cases.