Our federation fully acknowledges the need for the country’s organised labour movement to unite in opposition to the centre-right government, which often relies on support from the far-right party Chega to secure a parliamentary majority. 

Given the current political climate, all unions have deemed it necessary to call a general strike today. 

Their key demands are:

• Recognition of collective bargaining as a core instrument of social justice.

• Fair wages and career opportunities to ensure an equitable distribution of wealth.

• Greater attention to the expectations of young workers – the next generation.

• Further development of the welfare state as a driver of social justice and well-being.

• Full respect for the right to strike, free from abusive restrictions.

IndustriAll Europe urges the Portuguese government to reconsider its reform proposals and to listen to the concerns of working families, which will be voiced loudly and clearly during the national strike.

"Social dialogue is a cornerstone of the European social model. The EU Pillar of Social Rights, together with the Minimum Wage Directive, promotes collective bargaining, fairness, and inclusion. This social model should be seen as a competitive advantage for Europe in a globalised world, not a barrier to competitiveness or productivity", stressed industriAll Europe’s General Secretary, Judith Kirton-Darling.