Portugal's General Strike Halts Trains, Flights and Schools

A second general strike swept Portugal on 3 June, the first in eight months, as unions protested a government labor‑reform package that would amend more than 100 articles of the Labour Code. The centre‑right minority government, backed by the far‑right Chega party, intends the reforms to boost productivity, but union leaders say they will increase precarious contracts, extend the normal work week to 50 hours without extra pay, ease dismissals and curb strike rights.

The strike, organized by the CGTP union confederation, led to the suspension of long‑distance and most regional train services, a halt to Lisbon’s metro, cancellation of hundreds of flights by TAP and Iberia, nationwide school closures and the postponement of many hospital surgeries and consultations. Protesters filled the streets, while the government faces criticism over the timing of the strike on the eve of a national holiday and the lack of a clear alternative to the proposed reforms.