If this socialist dream-world is working so smoothly, why is everyone going on strike?
Between now and the end of 2018, the government has received 47 strike notifications across a range of sectors, most concerningly, in the health service.
Between now and December 31st, there will not be a single day without a stoppage, according to the ever-growing list held by the Directorate-General for Administration and Public Employment.
From judges to nurses, through fishery inspectors to railway workers, dockers, teachers, supermarket workers, airport security staff, the Foreigners and Borders Service, firemen - just about everyone has lost patience with their management and with the government.
Christmas and New Year misery is predicted at Portugal’s airports as a strike, designed to have the maximum effect, has been called by the union representing Foreigners and Borders Service staff, the ‘SEF,’ the people who man passport control.
Added to this possibility of zero staff being on duty to allow people into and out of the country, workers at two private security companies have chosen the Christmas period to go on strike, jeopardizing the functioning or national airports.
There will be continued strikes by nursery school teachers, elementary and secondary school teachers, hospital workers, nurses, diagnostic and therapeutic technicians, prison guards, court officials, firefighters in 23 Council areas, including Faro, and some Council workers.
Even some of the country’s registrars and notaries are downing quills and going home.
Management also is contributing to the inconvenience with more than two dozen Intercity and Alpha Pendular rail services being cancelled on December 24, 25 and 31 and January 1, 2019, “due to weak demand,” according to the rail company’s management.
"As is the case every year in the Christmas and New Year period, Comboios de Portugal makes an adjustment to its services, as 24, 25 and 31 of December are characterised by a low demand for some services, and a nonexistent demand for others," says the management - (for 'adjustment' read 'cancellation.')
