Lidl workers protest staffing shortages in Portugal

Lidl employees held a protest in Estarreja, Aveiro district, on October 27 to denounce labor conditions and a lack of personnel. The mobilization, organized by the Union of Commerce, Office and Service Workers of Portugal (CESP), extended across seven districts in the country.

The union reported that insufficient staffing has led to excessive workloads, long checkout lines, empty shelves, and difficulties in customer assistance. Workers stated that current team sizes make it impossible to meet all required tasks, including product replenishment, cashier duties, and assistance with automated checkout systems.

Additional grievances raised by the union include inadequate cleaning and maintenance of restrooms and parking lots, which they claim is a direct consequence of the shortage of human resources.