Nationwide Strike Disrupts Portugal: Unions Protest Labor Reforms

Portugal saw a nationwide strike halting train services, canceling flights, and closing schools. Unions are protesting proposed labor reforms by the minority center-right government, which they believe favor employers. The reforms, supported by the far-right Chega party, aim to boost productivity.

Portugal experienced a sweeping strike on Thursday, paralyzing train services, canceling numerous flights, and closing schools. The action, orchestrated by major unions, is in response to proposed labor reforms that many believe disadvantage workers.

These proposed changes, supported by the minority center-right government and the far-right Chega party, would amend more than 100 labor-code articles. The government claims the reforms are necessary to boost productivity and spur economic growth, while critics argue they unfairly empower employers over workers.

Despite some public transport operating under minimum service requirements, many hospitals postponed surgeries due to staffing shortages. As Portugal's unions call for support against the reforms, the strike marks the first of its kind since the bailout era of 2013.

(With inputs from agencies.)