Portugal: Unionized public sector employees to stage one-day nationwide strike Nov. 12

Event

Unionized public sector workers will hold a 24-hour nationwide strike Nov. 12 to demand higher wages and condemn the government's offer of a 0.9 percent salary increase. The action is being organized by the Confederation of Public Administration Labor Unions (Frente Comum de Sindicatos da Administracao Publica, FCSAP). The FCSAP encompasses 31 unions and represents over 300,000 public sector workers across the country.

The strike will likely primarily affect government administration, justice, education, and public health care services. Some local or federal government offices could close or operate on reduced schedules. School closures could prompt parents to remain home and provide childcare. Reduced physician staffing may result in longer waits for non-emergency healthcare or the cancellation of routine appointments at public hospitals and clinics, though emergency care will likely remain available. Some public transportation disruptions are possible during the work stoppage.

Although labor leaders have announced no specific plans for strike-related rallies, demonstrations are possible in cities nationwide on Nov. 12. Likely locations for protests are central squares and outside government offices, including the Ministry of Finance in Lisbon. Additional police will likely deploy to monitor all protests; related security measures such as road closures and movement restrictions may lead to localized transport disruptions. Any protests that may materialize will probably remain largely peaceful, although isolated confrontations with police cannot be ruled out.

Advice

Confirm business meetings and appointments at government agencies and public medical facilities. Anticipate public service disruptions nationwide from Nov. 12 into at least the early morning of Nov. 13. Avoid all demonstrations as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Allow extra time to travel around protest areas.