Latest news and stories about labour reform in finance in Portugal for expats and residents.
Minister of Labour Maria do Rosário Palma Ramalho is set to attend a parliamentary hearing following the delayed release of a report on Social Security reform measures.
The Portuguese government's proposed labour reforms, including changes to dismissal rules and AI usage in HR, have been stalled, though the Minister of Labour remains committed to pursuing them in the future.
A nationwide general strike in Portugal protesting proposed labour reforms has caused widespread disruption, leading to the cancellation of over 340 flights, the suspension of train services, and the closure of schools.
Business owner Isabel and workshop manager Hugo share their perspectives on the government's proposed labour reform, arguing that it undermines workers' rights and fails to foster talent retention or national development.
Prime Minister Luís Montenegro has called for a modernization of trade unionism in Portugal, criticizing outdated practices and urging for a more constructive approach to labour reform as the government prepares to bring new legislation to parliament.
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.
The UGT has rejected the government's latest labour reform proposal, citing limited progress and unacceptable terms, while political commentators urge further negotiation to avoid legislative deadlock.
The Government has pledged to strengthen support measures to mitigate the economic impacts of the ongoing war while simultaneously advocating for significant labour reforms.
Maria de Fátima Carioca argues that Portugal needs a substantial overhaul of its labour legislation, saying flexibilisation of labour relations is unavoidable but must not undermine social protections. She warns the proposed new law is not a magic wand for boosting wages — structural reform is required alongside measures to safeguard workers. Her remarks come as the Government prepares a wide-ranging review of labour rules and the social safety net.
The Prime Minister has defended a government labour reform aimed at guaranteeing ‘decent wages’ by promoting better jobs and stronger pay protections, framing the measure as central to improving employment quality. Separately, António José Seguro urged an urgent restoration of social cohesion in Portugal, stressing that community rebuilding is necessary alongside policy reforms to address economic and social challenges.
Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as New York City council president moments after midnight at the symbolic Old City Hall subway station. The unconventional timing and venue underscore a populist, reformist image and signal a break with ritualised civic spaces. Meanwhile in Portugal, opposition leader Luís Montenegro publicly defended a proposed labour reform as necessary to secure ‘decent wages’, framing it as a balance between worker protections and market flexibility. The two developments illustrate how political actors use symbolism and policy narratives to shape public perceptions: Mamdani’s inauguration emphasises accessibility and grassroots politics, while Montenegro’s defence seeks to pre-empt concerns about economic impact and social equity.
The labour reform was important, but it was not enough, as we sought to demonstrate in previous articles ('Minimum wage rises, productivity does not: what now?' and 'Labour reform, taxation and birth rate: where are we going?'). It is now time to answer the following question: was the revision of the Labour Code a house of horrors or a foundation for a better future?
Starting this Wednesday, a three-euro fee comes into effect for low-value orders from outside the EU. The Minister of Labour insists on labour reform: “the sooner, the better.”
An increase of 50 euros in the minimum wage was approved by the Government this Wednesday. Leitão Amaro reminds that the rise is part of the tripartite agreement which includes “mutual conditions”, such as “labour reform”.
The government makes mistakes and does not know how to correct them — there are measures that are 'sinister, difficult to rationalize'. Montenegro, in emergency mode, promises a salary increase but the labour reform is not a magic wand.
Prime minister Luís Montenegro has warned today that the country will not get out of its rut if it does not move forward now with changes to labour legislation – taking The post PM insists country “will not get out of rut” without AD’s labour reform appeared first on Portugal Resident.
