Government plans to reform dismissal and layoff rules
ECO outlines a government proposal to change the rules governing dismissals and layoffs, presenting seven key points about who would be affected, the timeline and legal implications. The reforms aim to clarify employer obligations, make some dismissals harder or more costly and adjust procedures for collective measures; trade unions, employers and HR departments can expect negotiations and possible legal challenges. Workers and employers should watch for the formal bill and guidance on collective dismissal (despedimento coletivo) procedures before changes come into force.
Dismissal is the termination of an employment contract initiated by the employer, which can be for individual reasons (disciplinary or performance) or for economic/structural reasons. Proposed reforms to dismissal rules can change notice periods, severance entitlements and legal protections, so employees and employers should follow the timetable and check how any changes would affect rights and procedures.
A collective dismissal is when an employer terminates the contracts of multiple workers within a short period for economic, structural or operational reasons, and it typically triggers special procedures like consultation with workers or unions and notification to authorities. In practice this means affected employees gain extra protections and negotiation rights, so workers, unions and businesses should watch proposed rule changes that could alter thresholds or consultation requirements.
State pays €150,000 to family of Oleiros worker who died fighting fire
The case dates back to 2017. The driver of a tracked vehicle died after the vehicle he was operating rolled over while combating a forest fire that had broken out near Cardal.
Company and four people convicted over construction worker's fatal accident in Aveiro
The foreman and the site director were each handed a suspended prison sentence of three years and nine months.
Four convicted over fatal accident at a construction site
The foreman and the site director received suspended prison sentences of three years and nine months. The manager and the safety officer were given suspended prison sentences of three years.
TVDE drivers to strike over 'lack of regulation'
Across the country, drivers for the Uber and Bolt platforms will take turns switching off their apps between 19 and 24 January. Self-employed workers are calling for the sector's legislation to be reviewed.
Catarina Martins accuses the Labour Minister of being 'a problem for the country'
Catarina Martins accuses the Labour Minister of being 'a problem for the country', criticising her performance and policies.
Yazaki proceeds with collective redundancy in Ovar
Yazaki Saltano has moved ahead with a collective redundancy affecting 163 employees at its Ovar plant, less than a year after an earlier round of job cuts that dismissed over 300 workers. The company says the measure is part of restructuring; unions and local stakeholders are monitoring the process. Workers and those in the Ovar labour market should follow union briefings and company communications for support and next steps.
A collective redundancy (despedimento coletivo) is a legally regulated mass‑layoff process in Portugal that requires employer notification and consultation with worker representatives and labour authorities, and often includes social measures or redeployment plans. For workers and local communities—such as the 163 employees affected at Yazaki’s Ovar factory—this process signals significant job losses that may trigger unemployment support and labour‑market measures, so employees should seek information from their union and the labour authority (ACT).
Company and four people convicted over worker's fatal accident in Aveiro
The foreman and the site director were given suspended prison sentences of three years and nine months.
Private-hire (TVDE) drivers to protest against Uber and Bolt next week
Between 19 and 24 January drivers will take turns switching off their apps during the morning peak demand period. Platforms have been acting like 'the employer of the entire sector', says an organiser.
Tax Authority clarifies that salary bonuses exempt from IRS do not increase the tax rate
Some salary bonuses exempt from IRS, such as productivity and performance bonuses, will not cause the tax rate to increase, the Tax Authority clarified. However, there are exceptions.
State pays €150,000 to family of Oleiros worker who died fighting a fire
The case dates back to 2017. The operator of a tracked vehicle died after the vehicle he was operating overturned while fighting a wildfire that had broken out near Cardal.
The Government wants to 'rebalance' the rules for platform work. This is what could change
Portugal's government plans to revise regulations governing platform-based work (delivery, ride-hailing and other gig-economy jobs). Potential changes include clarifying worker status (employee vs contractor), strengthening social protections and labour rights, introducing minimum standards and transparency obligations for platforms, and tougher enforcement — measures that would affect platforms, workers and consumers.
Disability: how do quotas work?
The law provides specific support to help integrate professionals with 60% or more disability, but hiring them remains difficult.
Ask the Lawyer: I came as a student, I didn't finish my course and I'm working — what should I do?
A reader seeks legal advice after arriving as a student but not completing their studies and now working in the country; they ask what options or steps they should take.
17:00 - Custodial sentence for exploitation of immigrants in the Alentejo
A court has handed down a custodial prison sentence for those convicted of exploiting immigrants in the Alentejo region of Portugal.
António Filipe raises the flag of the Constitution against the labour package
During the campaign he emphasised contact with workers and supporters and presented himself as the candidate who does not give up, despite pressure to move closer to the left.
António Filipe raises the flag of the Constitution against the labour package
The Constitution was António Filipe's banner in this campaign, during which he focused on contact with workers and supporters and presented himself as the candidate who does not give up, despite pressures for a left‑wing convergence.
Ruling to be read about immigrants exploitation case in Portugal
Home News Ruling to be read about immigrants exploitation case in Portugal Ruling to be read about immigrants exploitation case in Portugal Seventeen defendants accused of allegedly exploiting immigrant workers in Alentejo will hear the verdict today, which will be read at 2:30 pm at the Beja Cou
Government meets again today with public sector unions
The meeting takes place as part of the ongoing negotiation process, which contemplates a possible extension of the current agreement.
Refund of tuition fees remains uncertain. Listen to the 'Ao trabalho!' podcast
The latest episode of the weekly podcast 'Ao trabalho!' examines lingering uncertainty over tuition fee refunds and the implications for pay awards that recognise qualifications. Finance Minister Joaquim Miranda Sarmento’s response on the pay-award question is discussed alongside fast-moving items on labour policy, employment law and the state budget, with analysis of what these developments mean for workers and expats. The short, under-five-minute episode aims to distil key takeaways and policy consequences for those following workplace rights and public spending.
Revolut workers pressured with 'unrealistic' metrics. Bank insists it complies with labour law
The Union of Workers of Large Supermarkets, Warehouses and Services of Portugal (STGSSP) has accused Revolut of pressuring and 'exploiting' around 1,200 employees in Portugal by imposing 'unrealistic' productivity metrics, after receiving multiple complaints about the digital bank’s labour practices. Revolut rejects the allegations, saying it complies with Portuguese labour law. The dispute highlights tensions between fintech productivity models and workplace rights, and could prompt closer scrutiny from unions and regulators.
New labour law 'is not a magic wand' for wage increases
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.
New Year — Luís Montenegro again calls for labour reform
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.
06:00 — Zohran Mamdani takes office in New York
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.
