A general strike against the controversial labour reform package proposed by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro's government has disrupted multiple sectors across the Algarve today, forcing the closure of Employment Centres, shutting schools, reducing healthcare services to minimum levels, affecting waste collection and transport services, and leading to the cancellation of more than 40 flights at Faro Airport.
Speaking to the press, Catarina Marques, leader of the Algarve Trade Union Federation (USAL), said the strike had already had a significant impact across the region by midday.
According to the union's assessment, participation has been particularly strong in the health and education sectors, with health centres and hospitals operating under minimum service requirements.
"There has been a very high level of participation in healthcare and education," Marques said.
In schools, she reported that some examinations had been unable to take place due to staff shortages caused by the strike.
Transport services have also been severely affected. More than 40 flights have been cancelled at Faro Airport, while rail services have experienced major disruption and are likewise operating under minimum service arrangements.
Marques also reported participation among road transport workers and in municipal waste collection and urban waste management services. In the municipality of Silves, she said refuse collection workers recorded a 100 per cent strike rate.
The strike has extended into the retail sector and large supermarket chains. According to Marques, workers at Auchan, Lidl and Pingo Doce have joined the industrial action, affecting a range of operations.
"In some cases the impact has been on customer-facing services; in others it has involved fresh produce, bakery departments or stock replenishment. We are also seeing participation across the wider retail and distribution sectors," she said.
Across public services, Employment Centres in Olhão, Silves, Portimão and Loulé remained closed. Waste management company Algar has also reported substantial participation, particularly in Portimão.
The canning industry in Olhão has joined the strike as well. Trade unions initially estimated participation at around 50 per cent, although Marques said the figure could rise as the day progresses.
Asked whether she expected participation to exceed that of the previous general strike held in December, Marques replied positively.
"Based on the reports and information we have been receiving, yes. I believe this reflects a growing awareness among workers of the true implications of this labour package," she said.
While the previous strike had received greater media attention, she argued that today's action may indicate a deeper understanding among workers of what she described as "the seriousness of what the Government intends to do".
Marques accused the Montenegro government of displaying "an attitude of arrogance" and pursuing "a political agenda that attacks workers and the people of this country".
"That agenda is becoming increasingly clear," she said.
According to the trade union leader, the reforms form part of a broader set of right-wing policies that have been pursued by successive governments.
"They always favour employers, big business and major economic groups, while workers are the ones who lose out," she argued.
Marques also criticised former Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho, whose austerity policies during Portugal's Troika era had a particularly severe impact on the Algarve. She suggested that his re-emergence in political debate signals a return to policies she described as harmful to workers.
"We are now seeing Passos Coelho reappear, and he seems increasingly aligned with Chega. Wherever André Ventura goes these days, Passos Coelho appears to follow," she said.
The union leader maintained that the labour package benefits only "one per cent of the country's population".
"What about the other 99 per cent? Shouldn't governments serve the people?" she asked.
In her view, the reforms represent "a more visible and more aggressive attack" on workers' rights.
The Government's proposal is expected to be debated and voted on in Parliament in the coming weeks. Marques said unions would be monitoring the legislative process closely, warning that unexpected political developments remain possible.
"We do not know what position Chega will take. We do not know what position the Socialist Party will take. We do not know whether they will stand with workers, as they often claim, or whether they will ultimately vote in favour of the labour package," she said.
Marques also suggested that President António José Seguro could yet play a decisive role, although his intentions remain unclear.
"He could veto it, he could choose not to veto it, or he might decide there are constitutional issues that should be referred to the Constitutional Court. At this stage, it remains unknown," she said.
Whatever the political outcome, she insisted that workers' mobilisation would remain the decisive factor.
"What will ultimately matter is the struggle of workers. Even if this labour package is implemented, it will be workers' collective action that eventually defeats it. History has repeatedly shown us that governments are not on the side of workers or ordinary people. That is why I have concerns, but we will remain vigilant."
Dozens of people, including many young participants, gathered this morning at the strike rally held in Praça Alexandre Herculano in Faro.
Source: Barlavento
