#general-strike

#general-strike

Portugal is bracing for a widespread impact nationally from its first general strike in 12 years, as unions urge action against the centre-right minority government's planned workers' rights reforms. Heavy disruption is expected for public transport, schools, courts and hospitals on Thursday, as workers protest against a draft law aiming to simplify firing procedures, extend the length of fixed-term contracts and expand the minimum services required during a strike.

"Under Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Greece's conservative government has transformed the country's labor market into one of the most "flexible" in Europe. Since July 2024, employees in industry, retail, agriculture and some service sectors have been forced to work six-day weeks if that's what their employer wants. They are, however, paid an extra 40% on top of their ordinary wage for the sixth working day."