Health strike sees up to 85% participation

A nationwide strike by Portugal’s healthcare workers today recorded participation rates ranging from 60% to 85%, with some hospital services reporting full participation, according to union representatives.

The industrial action, called by the National Federation of Public and Social Workers’ Unions (STFPSSRA), covers all employees across Portugal’s health sector and aims to pressure the government into opening negotiations on pay, career progression, working conditions and staffing levels within the SNS national health service.

Speaking to Lusa news agency, union official Elisabete Gonçalves said early figures showed participation rates between 60% and 70% in northern Portugal, while preliminary data from the south indicated turnout of between 80% and 85%.

“There are many hospitals with 100% participation, but generally the figures reaching us are in the region of 80% to 85%,” she said.

In Coimbra, union leader Tiago Acúrcio said minimum service levels ordered by the Arbitration Court were being maintained throughout the strike.

During the overnight shift, minimum staffing requirements were met in operating theatres, emergency departments, intensive care units, sterilisation services and inpatient wards. Morning operations also largely complied with court-mandated minimum service levels, with between 90% and 95% of services functioning according to the required staffing thresholds.

Emergency surgery remained available through a designated operating room, while emergency departments were staffed only by workers assigned to provide minimum services.

“All inpatient wards are operating at minimum service levels, while outpatient consultations are not covered by minimum service requirements, except where ongoing treatments are involved,” Acúrcio said.

The unions say the strike is intended to force progress on long-standing demands, including the recruitment of additional healthcare workers, improved working conditions, professional recognition and greater investment in Portugal’s public healthcare system.

The walkout comes as the SNS continues to face staffing shortages and growing pressure on hospital and primary healthcare services across the country, and as public confidence in state healthcare generally continues to plummet.

Source: SIC Notícias/ Lusa

Natasha Donn

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.