Tens of thousands have taken to the streets of Portugal's capital, Lisbon, to protest against proposed labour laws which they say threaten workers' rights. The centre-right government wants to make it easier for employers to fire people, outsource work to other companies, and limit some types of compassionate leave, including cutting bereavement leave for women who suffer miscarriages. The government argues that these measures are needed to improve job flexibility and increase productivity in one of western Europe's poorest countries.
The head of Portugal's largest union, CGTP, labeled the reforms as 'one of the greatest attacks ever made against workers' in the country and has called for a general strike on December 11. Despite the protests, the bill is expected to pass in parliament with support from the far-right party Chega.
Union representatives reported that approximately 100,000 protesters filled Lisbon's main avenue, while various media sources also noted the presence of tens of thousands. No police estimates were provided. Protester Miriam Alves, 31, expressed concerns that these reforms signify a rollback of working conditions leading to diminished job security. Archive technician Madalena Pena criticized the government's approach, suggesting that labor rights are being reversed insidiously post-election.
CGTP's general secretary, Tiago Oliveira, emphasized that the proposed changes would significantly affect the lives of all workers. Protesters additionally advocated for higher wages, noting that over half of the workforce earned less than 1,000 euros per month last year, with the minimum wage set at only 870 euros.
The head of Portugal's largest union, CGTP, labeled the reforms as 'one of the greatest attacks ever made against workers' in the country and has called for a general strike on December 11. Despite the protests, the bill is expected to pass in parliament with support from the far-right party Chega.
Union representatives reported that approximately 100,000 protesters filled Lisbon's main avenue, while various media sources also noted the presence of tens of thousands. No police estimates were provided. Protester Miriam Alves, 31, expressed concerns that these reforms signify a rollback of working conditions leading to diminished job security. Archive technician Madalena Pena criticized the government's approach, suggesting that labor rights are being reversed insidiously post-election.
CGTP's general secretary, Tiago Oliveira, emphasized that the proposed changes would significantly affect the lives of all workers. Protesters additionally advocated for higher wages, noting that over half of the workforce earned less than 1,000 euros per month last year, with the minimum wage set at only 870 euros.
