Portugal general strike protests right‑wing labor reform

A nationwide general strike began at midnight on 3 June 2026 in Portugal, organized by the Confederation of Portuguese Workers – Intersindical National (CGTP‑IN). The action, the second general strike in just over six months, targets the labour reform proposed by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro’s centre‑right government, which unions say deregulates working hours, expands precarious contracts, eases dismissals and undermines maternity and paternity rights.

Strike leaders, including CGTP‑IN secretary‑general Tiago Oliveira, warned that the reform would erode workers’ rights and increase temporary employment. Schools, hospitals and most transport services were ordered to halt. The state railway operator Comboios de Portugal pledged only minimal services, the Lisbon Metro announced a total closure until 4 June, and the state‑controlled airline TAP said it would operate just 79 flights under a contingency decree. A central march in Lisbon started at Dom Pedro IV Square and proceeded to the Palácio de São Bento, the parliament building.

The Union General de Trabajadores (UGT) did not join the strike this time, but the protest has already caused widespread disruption to public services and highlighted growing labour‑policy tensions in the country.