Latest news and stories about labour law in culture in Portugal for expats and residents.
The Confederation of Commerce and Services expresses skepticism regarding a Social Concertation agreement on labour laws, while Prime Minister Luís Montenegro maintains an inclusive approach toward all parliamentary parties, including Chega, despite concerns over the party's radicalism.
The UGT national secretariat has unanimously rejected the government's latest labour reform proposal, leading to a stalemate as the Minister of Labour pushes for a conclusion by May 7th.
The UGT National Secretariat is set to reject the government's latest labour code proposal, citing insufficient progress and constitutional concerns, despite ongoing mediation efforts by President António José Seguro.
UGT deputy secretary-general Sérgio Monte indicates that the union is likely to reject the government's proposed labour law changes, aligning with public sentiment and CGTP's stance ahead of a formal decision.
President of the Republic António José Seguro is set to hold individual meetings with social partners in Belém this Wednesday to discuss the government's contentious labour legislation proposal.
Livre spokesperson Rui Tavares criticizes right-wing parties for attempting to expedite labour reforms, arguing they are ignoring public dissatisfaction and pushing for policies that threaten wage growth and worker wellbeing.
Minister of Labour Rosário Palma Ramalho has concluded negotiations on the labour package, confirming that a final version will be sent to the CGTP while the government awaits the UGT's definitive position on the proposed reforms.
The Portuguese government has presented a final draft of its labour law reform, 'Trabalho XXI', to social partners, with further negotiations scheduled for Friday to address remaining points of contention despite claims that an agreement is near.
The government has amended its labour law reform proposal, abandoning plans to extend fixed-term contract durations while reintroducing specific criteria for youth employment contracts following negotiations with the UGT.
Parliament prepares to elect external bodies while the government and social partners resume critical negotiations on labour law reform within the Standing Committee for Social Concertation.
André Ventura, leader of Chega, has stated that his party intends to propose amendments to the government's labour law reform in Parliament, regardless of any potential agreements reached with the UGT during social concertation.
Labour reform negotiations have reached a stalemate as tensions escalate between the government, unions, and employer confederations. Despite presidential pressure for compromise, a lack of trust and conflicting agendas have stalled progress, leaving the future of the legislative package uncertain ahead of May 1st.
Donations to culture for 'golden visas' surged by nearly 300% in 2025, reaching 46.8 million euros. Other key stories include a US naval blockade of Iran impacting oil prices, border control evaluations at airports, and political developments in Hungary.
Monday brings a decrease in fuel prices, the release of March's final inflation data, and a key meeting between the government, unions, and employers to discuss labor policies.
Carla Tavares, the newly elected president of the Socialist Women, outlines her agenda to enhance political training for militants and introduce legislative reforms concerning labour law and public safety.
The Portuguese government has made partial concessions on labour reform, specifically regarding fixed-term contracts, but the UGT union remains dissatisfied and continues to reject the current proposal.
Minister of Labour Rosário Palma Ramalho reports constructive progress in labour law negotiations with the UGT and employer confederations, as partners prepare to consult their governing bodies.
Minister of Labour Maria do Rosário Palma Ramalho convenes with social partners for the 53rd time to negotiate contentious labour law reforms, including contract terms, dismissal policies, and working hours.
Portuguese Health Minister Ana Paula Martins acknowledges the upcoming nurses' strike while stating that not all union demands can be met immediately, emphasizing that solutions require time.
The CGTP trade union federation plans to attend a government meeting on labour law reforms despite not receiving an invitation, asserting its constitutional right to participate in the legislative process.
Lusa and RTP workers are protesting against recent statutory changes and a lack of government transparency, fearing political interference and uncertainty regarding the potential consolidation of the two media entities.
PS leader José Luís Carneiro criticises the Government for a lack of democratic humility following the collapse of negotiations regarding new labour legislation.
The president of CIP, Armindo Monteiro, asserts that while policies are beginning to shift away from the traditional 'hand-out model' of European funding, the presence of unions complicates the implementation of these changes. He criticizes unions for focusing primarily on reducing working hours and increasing holidays, which he believes hinders the potential for economic growth and improvement in living standards in Portugal.
A recent meeting involving the Minister of Labour, employers, and the UGT has concluded with some progress in certain areas, despite a lack of full agreement among partners regarding labour law reforms. The discussions highlighted ongoing challenges in reaching a consensus on key policies affecting workers' rights and the expat community.
The article critiques the Government's Labour Package, titled Work XXI, arguing it regresses rather than innovates in the realm of work. It emphasizes the need for the Labour Code to adapt to the increasing frequency of extreme weather phenomena, advocating for provisions that protect outdoor workers and clarify absence policies during public calamities. The author calls for a Labour Code that prioritizes safety and preparedness for the challenges of the 21st century, rather than the outdated framework proposed by the Government.
The Government plans to submit a proposal for revising the labour law to Parliament despite lacking an agreement in the Social Concertation. This move raises questions about whether Chega will play a crucial role in facilitating the reform of the Labour Code, as the Government seeks support from opposition parties without an absolute majority.
Prime Minister Luís Montenegro uses his customary 1 January Jornal de Notícias article to renew a call for labour reform, urging a ‘winning mentality’ and changes to employment law and regulation. Framed as necessary for competitiveness and job creation, the piece signals his policy priorities and aims to steer public and political debate toward deregulation and legal adjustments. It functions both as a policy pitch and as political positioning ahead of upcoming labour‑market discussions.
Thousands of people took to the streets this Saturday to mark the 52nd anniversary of the 25th of April Revolution. In Lisbon, the traditional parade down Avenida da Liberdade featured a mix of generations, red carnations, and protests against the government's proposed labour reforms. Similar marches took place in Porto and Funchal, with participants emphasizing the need to defend democratic values and workers' rights. Political leaders from various parties used the occasion to critique government priorities, while also reflecting on the significance of the revolution in contemporary Portuguese society.
The remedy was worse than the disease in the way Cristina Ferreira handled the controversial statements she made regarding the rape of a minor. Pedro Nuno vs. Duarte Cordeiro. And the soap opera of labour reform.
The endless soap opera surrounding labour reform and Pedro Nuno Santos's settling of scores with 'carneirocentrismo', 'co$tismo', and poorly killed 'cordeirismo' were the themes of this Vichyssoise.
