Portugal General Strike Paralyses Trains, Flights and Schools Over Labour Reform

On June 3, 2026, Portugal's main umbrella union CGTP called a nationwide general strike to oppose a government‑backed labour‑code reform. The centre‑right minority government, with support from the far‑right Chega party, seeks to amend more than 100 articles to increase flexibility, productivity and growth after talks with unions collapsed.

Union leaders argue the changes would deepen precarious employment, extend working hours, make dismissals easier and curb strike and parental‑leave rights. CGTP secretary‑general Tiago Oliveira warned that the package would “entrench precarious contracts for life” and force workers to work 50 hours a week without extra pay, as echoed by a 30‑year‑old bank employee.

The strike shut most of state‑owned railway CP’s long‑distance and regional services, closed several Lisbon metro stations, and led to nationwide school closures. Hospitals postponed many surgeries after a nursing walkout. Flag carrier TAP cut its schedule to 79 of over 300 daily flights, while Iberia cancelled 50‑75 % of its flights, leaving thousands of passengers stranded.