Algarve workers to join CGTP protest against labour law reforms

Workers from across the Algarve are set to travel to Lisbon tomorrow (Thursday, June 18) to join a demonstration organised by Portugal’s main trade union federation, the General Confederation of Portuguese Workers (CGTP), against the government’s proposed labour law reforms.

The protest will take place outside the Assembly of the Republic from 1.30pm, coinciding with the parliamentary debate on the legislative package scheduled the same day.

Trade unions have accused the government of fast-tracking the reforms to meet employers’ demands without completing the mandatory 30-day public consultation period.

In a statement, workers’ representatives in the Algarve said they would join the demonstration in a “strong position of rejection against increased exploitation, injustice and social inequality”.

CGTP has described the proposed measures as a major setback for workers’ rights and is calling on MPs to reject the package outright.

The federation argues that Portugal instead needs policies focused on increasing wages and pensions, tackling precarious employment – particularly among young people – strengthening collective bargaining and protecting workers’ rights to favourable employment conditions.

It is also calling for tighter regulation of working hours, stronger parental rights, improved public services and greater access to affordable housing.

Adding to the pressure on the government, the Sindicato de Todos os Profissionais da Educação (S.TO.P.) has called a nationwide education strike for the same day.

The union said the action was approved during a members’ plenary session on June 10 in response to what it described as “a regression in labour rights”.

S.TO.P. criticised the timing of the parliamentary debate, saying it demonstrated “a lack of respect for workers and trade union organisations” after two general strikes and several demonstrations opposing changes to labour legislation.

The education union has urged teachers and school staff to join the CGTP-organised demonstration in Lisbon but said the strike would not affect work related to the national Biology and Geology examination or final assessment meetings because of the short notice given.

The government has said the reforms are intended to modernise Portugal’s labour market, although details of the proposals remain under scrutiny.

Thursday’s debate will determine whether the package advances to the committee stage for further examination or is rejected by parliament.

Inês Lopes

Newspaper editor at The Portugal Resident