Latest news and stories about labour law in legal in Lisboa, Portugal for expats and residents.
The Portuguese government, UGT, and four business confederations are meeting to negotiate a decisive agreement on new labour law reforms.
The Minister of Labour reconvenes with the UGT and business confederations to resume labour law reform negotiations following an appeal from the President of the Republic to resolve the recent impasse.
Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in Lisbon and Porto to protest against the government's proposed changes to the labour law, known as the 'Work XXI' reform. Led by the CGTP union, the protests highlighted concerns that the reforms would negatively impact workers' rights. CGTP's Secretary-General, Tiago Oliveira, called for the government to withdraw the labour package, emphasizing its detrimental effects on the workforce.
Lisbon firefighters' union says the Regimento de Sapadores Bombeiros de Lisboa (RSBL) is in 'utter disarray', citing delays in promotions, organisational failures and that more than 10% of operational personnel lack proper uniforms. Staff are considering issuing a pre-strike notice as a warning that industrial action could follow if complaints over safety, logistics and career progression are not resolved. The union warns these problems undermine emergency response and public safety and is calling for urgent management and municipal intervention.
The Supreme Administrative Court (STA) ruled in favour of two scientists in appeals against the University of Lisbon, ordering the university to open public competitions for career entry once the maximum term of their fixed‑term contracts expired. Two separate rulings — including one dated 8 January concerning the Instituto Superior de Agronomia (ISA) — require competitions to be launched within 30 days at ISA and at the Faculty of Letters, overturning earlier judgments. The decisions set a legal precedent on academic precarity and fixed‑term employment, with potential implications for higher education labour practices and reform of recruitment procedures in Portuguese universities.
Around ten union members gathered at the doors of the AML, demanding the reversal of the contract termination of the CAF coordinator at the Ressano Garcia school and the guarantee of the remaining positions until July 31st.
The article discusses the prevalence of workplace bullying in Portugal, highlighting a recent incident at the Lisbon Western Local Health Unit (ULSLO) where a manager allegedly attempted to restrain a subordinate with tape. It explores the definitions, types (vertical, horizontal, structural, emotional, and strategic), and legal challenges of proving moral harassment in the workplace, while offering advice on how victims can document incidents and seek support through official channels.
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The three representative structures for the workers argue that the administration could have negotiated a new agreement without terminating the current one and accuse them of creating pressure on the negotiation process.
There are people who do not give up fighting for their rights and those are the ones who count.
Portugal has been quieter over the last two days following a general strike. This second strike in eight months, which lacked support from the UGT union, caused significant disruption to education, air travel, and healthcare. While the right to strike is constitutionally protected, this action faced criticism due to its timing and a lack of clear alternatives to the proposed labour reforms. The author argues that while the current labour laws are outdated and need flexibility, some of the government's proposed changes—such as restrictions on teleworking—are regressive. Ultimately, the lack of constructive dialogue between the government and unions leaves the country in a state of uncertainty and dissatisfaction.
João Marcelino, a commentator for CNN Portugal, addressed the incidents this Wednesday in front of the Assembly of the Republic following the trade union demonstration on the day of the general strike.
In early May, an employee at ULS Lisboa Ocidental was allegedly grabbed by the head of Human Resources and pinned to a chair. André Coelho Dias had previously been the subject of complaints.
The victim was lured from Angola to Portugal with a job offer to care for children and a salary equivalent to the minimum wage, promises that were not fulfilled.
The PJ found evidence of 'practices of control and intimidation over the victim, namely the limitation of her leaving the residence'.
A 48-year-old Portuguese woman was arrested in Oeiras for human trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation, after subjecting the victim to abuse as an employee, the Judiciary Police announced.
Authorities speak of “dependency and isolation”
The victim was lured from Angola to Portugal with a job offer to care for children and a salary equivalent to the minimum wage, promises that were not fulfilled.
Parliament discusses workers' conditions and the labour package today, at the request of the PCP. The debate takes place ten days after the Government submitted the bill that amends the Labour Code.
Around 30 inmates refused to return to their cells during a strike regarding overtime hours by prison guards. The DGRSP states that the situation was resolved without the use of force, while the union reports that one guard required hospital assistance after allegedly being injured accidentally amidst the confusion.
The multinational company Husqvarna has announced a collective redundancy at its facilities in Sintra.
The trial of Sócrates against the State regarding the delays in Operation Marquês has begun. Will this trial be faster than the other one? And is the government really going to fight for labour reform?
Luís Montenegro believes that the PS and Chega are willing to negotiate. Additionally, one person died and three were injured following a brawl in Benfica.
A delegation from the CGTP Executive Committee will visit the Ministry of Labour in Lisbon this Monday, May 11, to deliver the notice for a general strike scheduled for June 3 against changes to labour law, after negotiations ended without agreement. The delegation will be led by CGTP Secretary-General Tiago Oliveira. The strike, themed 'Defeat the labour package', follows the government's 'Trabalho XXI' reform proposal, which unions have labelled an attack on workers' rights. The government has since held separate meetings with the UGT and business confederations, excluding the CGTP, which has accused the administration of being undemocratic. Labour Minister Palma Ramalho intends to take the proposal to parliament, despite ongoing opposition.
The union reports an alleged 'assault' on a worker with minor children who was reportedly prevented from starting his shift at the Pingo Doce kitchens in Odivelas. The company admits an 'incident' occurred and states it is investigating the case.
INEM doctors want to ensure they receive the new bonus for emergency services. The Workers' Commission has already requested clarification from the Minister of Health regarding the Government's decree.
Employers accept UGT's proposals regarding outsourcing, reinstatement of unlawfully dismissed workers, individual time banks, continuous training, and arbitration issues, in a final effort to reach an agreement on labour laws. The final meeting is on Thursday.
The CIP (Confederation of Portuguese Business) has announced it will accept UGT proposals regarding outsourcing, the reinstatement of unlawfully dismissed workers, individual time banks, continuous training, and arbitration. CIP president Armindo Monteiro stated that the organisation is willing to align with the union's position to reach a consensus on labour law reforms. While the CIP maintains its stance on the necessity of outsourcing for business efficiency, it is seeking common ground to finalise the agreement before the government's deadline, despite ongoing tensions and the threat of a general strike by the CGTP.
The incident occurred at the ministry following a formal meeting between the minister, the Workers' Commission, and three unions. The employee reportedly retracted the statement before the cabinet.
