Workers denounce the right-wing government’s proposal as a major rollback of labor rights.
On Thursday, operations at Lisbon’s international airport were reduced to a minimum because of a 24-hour general strike called by Portugal’s main labor unions.
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In the largest action of its kind in 12 years, workers are protesting a labor reform proposed by the right-wing government of Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, which would make dismissals easier, deregulate working hours, and affect rights such as breastfeeding leave.
“It must be taken into account that, in 50 years of democracy, this is only the fifth general strike to take place in Portugal,” said Jorge Alves, president of the Aircraft Maintenance Technicians Union (SITEMA).
“That is to say, the protest carries enormous importance. One does not call a general strike because things are mild. The labor reform is a serious attack on workers’ rights. We do not want precariousness. We want secure jobs with proper conditions,” he added.
“Anyone familiar with the airport knows today is a completely atypical day in terms of traffic because the airlines have been careful to cancel flights in advance, as they knew the strike would have massive adherence,” the SITEMA leader said.
Em Braga, esta manhã, foram muitos os trabalhadores unidos na defesa dos direitos laborais, numa expressiva adesão à Greve Geral. pic.twitter.com/eqgDghLeIw
— Os Verdes (@OsVerdes) December 11, 2025
The text reads, “This morning, many workers in Braga united in defense of labor rights, expressing strong support for the general strike.”
Throughout the week, airlines have been canceling flights and offering passengers the chance to reschedule to prevent the airport from plunging into chaos on Thursday.
“The participation in the strike has been enormous — very close to 100%,” said Ricardo Penarroias, president of the Civil Aviation Flight Personnel Union.
In the case of TAP, the state airline, it is operating 7% of its flights, Alves said, a figure that reflects the minimum services agreed upon between unions and the company.
“Regular commercial operations are paralyzed,” the Civil Aviation Pilots Union (SPAC) said, confirming that only 63 out of the 286 flights scheduled for Thursday would be completed.
For the SATA group — the airlines of the Azores archipelago — officials reported “total adherence” to the strike, with flights limited to minimum services. At easyJet, participation is “above 80%.” “So far, in addition to minimum services, only two of today’s scheduled flights have departed,” the union said.
#FromTheSouth News Bits | Portugal: Thousands of citizens rallied against labor reforms promoted by the government of Prime Minister Luis Montenegro. pic.twitter.com/2WelNq0kJC
— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) November 13, 2025
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Source: EFE
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