Portugal teachers' strike closes over 100 schools

A nationwide strike by monodocência teachers in Portugal has led to the closure or conditional operation of at least 138 schools across 62 municipalities, most of them on the coast and in the Lisbon region. Participants reported the situation on the online observatory platform "Greve ao Minuto," which recorded more than 300 updates by mid‑morning. The teachers demand parity with other education levels, including a reduction to 22 teaching hours per week, equal retirement age of 60, and the allocation of ancillary educational responsibilities to other professionals.

The strike, organized by the Fenprof, SPLIU and SINAPE unions, reflects broader dissatisfaction: a recent survey of over 7,000 educators indicated that 86% view monodocência as a high‑stress profession and 72% cite severe staff shortages. Schools most affected include Escola Básica de Santa Iria da Azoia in Loures and the Pedro Eanes Lobato school in Seixal, while closures were also reported further north in Paião near Figueira da Foz.