Portuguese police labor disputes and protest threats

Portuguese police unions have initiated actions to protest labor conditions and resource shortages. Initially, the Association of Police Professionals (ASPP/PSP) announced plans for nationwide protests, citing a negotiation impasse with the Ministry of Internal Administration and a lack of adequate resources, such as patrol cars.

Seven unions and associations representing both the PSP and the GNR have formed a joint platform, issuing a one-week deadline for a meeting with Minister of Internal Administration Luís Neves. Under the slogan ‘não aceitamos polícias de primeira e polícias de segunda’ (we do not accept first-class and second-class police), the group is protesting pay disparities between PSP and GNR personnel and those of the Polícia Judiciária. They argue that previous agreements regarding risk subsidies have failed to resolve the wage gap. Their demands include the equalization of service and risk supplements, a structural review of career and remuneration systems, and a salary increase effective January 1, 2027.

ASPP President Paulo Santos has cited low morale and unfulfilled promises regarding remuneration table updates as key drivers for further action. The ASPP has scheduled a series of national protests and a petition, with demonstrations planned for Porto on September 24, Leiria on October 1, Lisbon on October 8, and Faro on October 14. Additional protests in cities such as Coimbra and Guimarães, as well as in the autonomous regions, remain possible. The ASPP also intends to invite GNR representatives to join a large national demonstration in October.