Tens of thousands of individuals gathered in Lisbon, Portugal, to express opposition to proposed labor laws that some believe may undermine workers’ rights. The center-right government is advocating for reforms aimed at enhancing job flexibility and productivity, particularly in one of Western Europe’s less economically robust nations. Key changes include easing the process for employers to terminate employees, allowing work to be outsourced to other companies, and restricting certain types of compassionate leave, particularly bereavement leave for women who experience miscarriages.
The leader of Portugal’s largest union, the CGTP, described the proposed reforms as a significant threat to the rights of workers, prompting the union to schedule a general strike for December 11. The bill is anticipated to pass in parliament, supported by the far-right party Chega.
Protest organizers claim that approximately 100,000 individuals took part in the demonstration, filling the capital’s main avenue; however, there was no police estimate available to confirm these figures. Some participants voiced their concerns regarding working conditions and job security. One protester, Miriam Alves, who works in the medical device sector, remarked that the reforms may represent a regressive step for workers. Another participant, Madalena Pena, criticized the government for what she described as subtle and unfair changes to labor rights, suggesting these reforms were not communicated before the elections in May.
The CGTP’s general secretary, Tiago Oliveira, warned that if the laws are enacted, they would significantly impact the lives of workers. Additionally, protesters called for increased wages, as official statistics reveal that over 50% of workers earned less than 1,000 euros per month last year, with the minimum wage set at 870 euros.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpd257jd3zzo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss