The Government will sign a 2026–2029 multi‑year agreement with UGT‑affiliated public‑sector unions (Fesap and STE) aimed at improving public administration pay and conditions, with a signing event at the prime minister's official residence. Reports vary on figures: ECO cites a flat increase of €56.58 for salaries up to around €2,600, while other outlets report proposed increases of 2.30% with a minimum of €60.52; the Frente Comum (CGTP) has declined to join the pact. Public servants should watch for the formal text and payroll schedules; those using public administration services should monitor for any industrial action if rival unions remain opposed.
Government to sign 2026–2029 public‑sector pact
Tuesday, 20 January 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
UGT is the General Union of Workers (União Geral de Trabalhadores), one of Portugal's main national trade union confederations that represents employees across sectors and negotiates collective agreements. UGT is often involved in public-service bargaining, so public sector workers and those employed by state bodies should watch UGT’s role in any new multi-year deals affecting pay and conditions.
The Multi-year Agreement (2026–2029) is a framework deal between the government and public service unions to set salaries, career rules and working conditions for public administration workers over that period. The government said it will sign the 2026–2029 agreement on Wednesday, so public-sector employees and service users should expect changes to pay scales and staffing plans during those years.
CGTP is the General Confederation of the Portuguese Workers (Confederação Geral dos Trabalhadores Portugueses – Intersindical Nacional), Portugal’s largest trade-union federation that organises strikes and national demonstrations. For expats, CGTP actions (like the Lisbon protest) can disrupt public transport, public services and workplaces and may involve petitions with tens of thousands of signatures.
Sources (4)
- Government to sign multi-year agreement with public service unions on Wednesday running until 2029RTP Notícias · 1:36pm, 20 Jan 2026
- Government signs multi-year public service agreement with UGT trade unionsPúblico · 3:57pm, 20 Jan 2026
- UGT public sector unions sign agreement with the GovernmentECO · 2:42pm, 20 Jan 2026
- Government to sign multi-year agreement with public-sector unions on Wednesday covering up to 2029Dinheiro Vivo · 1:54pm, 20 Jan 2026
