Portugal: Unionized public employees striking nationwide March 17. Multi-sector demonstration planned March 18

Event

Multiple civil servant and public employee unions are striking nationwide on March 17. The Common Front federation of unions is denouncing the cost of living and poor wage growth. The industrial action will affect schools, hospitals, and other government services, although emergency healthcare facilities are unlikely to be impacted. Protests by striking workers are possible, most likely outside government buildings, schools, and hospitals. Short-notice strikes are possible in other, nongovernmental, sectors.

The CGPT (General Confederation of Portuguese Workers) is calling on all affiliated unions to join a national demonstration in central Lisbon, March 18. Attendees will gather in the Saldanha/Picoas part of the city. Attendance will likely be in the thousands. Additional gatherings are possible in urban centers across Portugal. Likely protest locations are outside government offices, and in central squares.

Additional police will deploy to monitor all gatherings. Large crowds and associated security measures will likely prompt localized disruptions in affected areas. Demonstrations are likely to pass off peacefully but isolated clashes cannot be ruled out.

Advice

Avoid all demonstrations as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Heed instructions from security services. Check for disruptions and allow extra time for travel in demonstration areas. Consider hybrid work arrangements due to the potential for increased employee absenteeism. Reconfirm business appointments. Prepare for healthcare service disruptions.