(Portugal, 9th) A large-scale protest broke out in Portugal’s capital Lisbon on Saturday (November 8), with tens of thousands of people taking to the streets to oppose the center-right government’s proposed labor law reform plans. According to labor union organizers, the reforms could severely undermine workers’ rights, and demonstrators are also strongly calling for higher wages.
According to Reuters, the protest was organized by Portugal’s largest labor union, the General Confederation of the Portuguese Workers (CGTP). This union sharply criticized Prime Minister Montenegro’s government for favoring large corporations and neglecting low-wage workers, leaving them struggling as the cost of living continues to rise. The union estimates around 100,000 protesters occupied Lisbon’s main avenue.
In September this year, the Portuguese government passed a draft amendment to the labor law, claiming it aims to increase national competitiveness, but protesters expressed strong dissatisfaction.
According to the proposed reform plan, employers will find it easier to dismiss employees for “just cause,” as companies will no longer be required, at the employee’s request, to provide relevant evidence or hear testimony from the employee’s witnesses. In addition, restrictions on outsourcing will be relaxed, and companies may establish so-called “individual time banks,” allowing employees to work up to two additional hours per day, with a yearly limit of 150 hours.
According to the proposed reform plan, employers will find it easier to dismiss employees for “just cause,” as companies will no longer be required, at the employee’s request, to provide relevant evidence or hear testimony from the employee’s witnesses. In addition, restrictions on outsourcing will be relaxed, and companies may establish so-called “individual time banks,” allowing employees to work up to two additional hours per day, with a yearly limit of 150 hours.
It is reported that the bill is expected to pass in parliament with the support of the far-right “Chega” party.
As one of the poorer countries in Western Europe, Portuguese workers face severe economic pressure. Official data show that last year, more than half of workers earned less than 1,000 euros per month, while the legal minimum wage is only 870 euros, making it one of the lowest in the EU.
As one of the poorer countries in Western Europe, Portuguese workers face severe economic pressure. Official data show that last year, more than half of workers earned less than 1,000 euros per month, while the legal minimum wage is only 870 euros, making it one of the lowest in the EU.