Portugal goes on general strike against changes in labor law; see the impacts

Airlines cancel flights to Portugal after announcement of general strike
Workers in Portugal went on a general strike this Wednesday (3) to protest against a labor reform that is being processed in Parliament. Called by the country's main trade unions, the strike affects transport, education, health and public services.
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While the government of Portugal defends the reform to modernize the labor market and increase the competitiveness of the Portuguese economy, unions and opposition parties claim that the measures represent a setback in labor rights.
The government of Portugal argues that the proposed changes are necessary to accelerate the country's economic growth and increase foreign investments.
Portuguese Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, states that the country has one of the strictest labor laws among members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
Montenegro hopes to approve the reform in the coming weeks. Among the main measures are the expansion of outsourcing possibilities, the creation of time bank agreements to meet periods of greater demand and changes to hiring rules.
The proposal also changes rules on dismissals and employment contracts.
In practice, some forms of temporary hiring would have fewer restrictions, making it easier to hire employees for specific periods.
Companies would also have more freedom to negotiate schedules, working hours and work schedules with their employees.
In addition, the project changes criteria for the payment of compensation in cases of dismissal considered irregular.
The unions argue that the reform facilitates dismissals without just cause, increases the precariousness of work and weakens labor and union rights.
Impacts
Workers during protests in Lisbon on April 17, 2026
REUTERS/Pedro Nunes
The impacts of the strike began to be felt at the beginning of the week, mainly in the airline sector. TAP, Latam and Azul flights serving routes between Portugal and Brazil were canceled due to the strike. See below:
TAP
✈ Between São Paulo and Portugal, flights TP82 and TP88 are scheduled, on the Guarulhos-Lisbon route. TP89, from Lisbon to Guarulhos, is also maintained.
✈ In Rio de Janeiro, flights TP72 and TP74, between Galeão and Lisbon, remain scheduled, in addition to TP73, from Lisbon to Galeão.
✈ Flight TP118, from Porto Alegre to Lisbon, was also maintained.
Blue
✈ Flights AD8900, from Viracopos, were canceled to Lisbon, and AD8901, from Lisbon to Viracopos.
✈ To serve impacted customers, the company has scheduled extra flights: AD9700 (Viracopos-Lisbon), this Wednesday, and AD9701 (Lisbon-Viracopos), for Thursday (4).
Latam
✈ Flights LA8147 and LA8149, both from Lisbon to Guarulhos.
✈ The company informed that passengers can change their travel date without fine or fare difference. Other options are to request a full refund or change the travel destination.
In the railway sector, Comboios de Portugal warned of delays and cancellations on national and regional train trips. Public transport, with buses and subways, should also partially operate in cities like Lisbon and Porto.
The strike could also have impacts on hospitals, schools and public offices. Essential services must operate in a reduced manner. As a result, users may face longer queues and delays in service throughout the day.
Some private sector workers also stated that they will join the strike.
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Source: G1