Latest news and stories about workers rights in Portugal for expats and residents.
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The PCP Secretary-General states that the right of workers' organisations to participate in the drafting of labour legislation is being disrespected.
The Secretary-General of the PCP accused the Government today of violating the Constitution by failing to discuss the labour package with the CGTP, stating that it constitutes a disregard for the right of workers' organisations to participate in the drafting of labour legislation. The CGTP will go to the Ministry of Labour today at the time scheduled for the meeting between the Government, the UGT, and the four business confederations, despite not having been invited.
The secretary-general of the PCP argued today that the labour package 'was rejected and must be defeated once and for all' and considered that the CGTP 'is right' to go to the ministry to 'demand on behalf of the workers'.
The article reports that the Portuguese Communist Party (PCP) considers discussions on the labor package by the General Confederation of Portuguese Workers (CGTP) to be beneficial. It highlights the PCP's positive stance on the CGTP engaging in dialogue regarding labor reforms, emphasizing the importance of such discussions for workers' rights and social dialogue in Portugal.
The article reports that the General Confederation of Portuguese Workers (CGTP) is justified in advocating for workers' rights by visiting the Ministry of Labour, especially as the government’s proposed labor reforms have been widely rejected by protests, strikes, and public demonstrations. The Secretary-General of the Portuguese Communist Party (PCP), Paulo Raimundo, supports this stance, criticizing the government for excluding CGTP from negotiations and accusing it of favoritism towards employers, increasing precariousness, and weakening workers' protections. Raimundo emphasizes the need for stronger labor rights, higher wages, and better living conditions, condemning the government’s approach as cowardly and urging for firm action to improve workers’ lives.
António José Seguro assumes the Presidency of the Republic at a time when there is little room for vague speeches or excessive caution. The country is at a critical juncture, and the world is witnessing the expansion of war. The first challenge is the labour package, which threatens to weaken workers' rights in the name of competitiveness. As a candidate, Seguro was clear that the package in its current form would not pass. Internationally, the new President must address Portugal's stance on the Middle East and the use of the Lajes Base, questioning whether the country will remain complicit in violations of international law. Finally, the reconstruction of the country requires a fundamental rethink of the State's organization, with regionalization becoming an inevitable necessity to move away from excessive centralization in Lisbon. Seguro must decide whether to be a mere protocol figure or a voice that challenges established interests.
The CGTP trade union confederation has requested an urgent meeting with President António José Seguro to express its deep concern over the government's proposed labour reforms. The union argues that the measures represent an attack on workers' rights, facilitate dismissals, and undermine collective bargaining. While the government seeks to reach an agreement with social partners, the CGTP claims it has been excluded from the negotiation process, which it describes as a violation of constitutional rights. Meanwhile, business confederations and the UGT union remain divided on the proposed changes, as the President calls for a balanced solution.
The union points out that “the independence of media outlets is an essential pillar of the democratic rule of law.”
The protest began at Praça da República and proceeded in a march to Avenida dos Aliados.
The protest began at Praça da República and proceeded in a march to Avenida dos Aliados.
Demonstrations will take place in Lisbon and Porto.
The trade union centre recognises that it is too early to 'assess' the Government's measures in their entirety, but offers some criticisms. 'Workers must retain the right to full pay,' says CGTP.
The Left Bloc leader stressed the importance of continuing to oppose the government's proposed amendments.
Luís Oliveira Marques, a specialist in labour law, explains what labour law and the Labour Code stipulate for workers who were forced to miss work due to the effects of Storm Kristin.
The General Union of Workers (UGT) is preparing a counterproposal for the revision of labour legislation, with more than 90 amendments, which will be presented to the unions next week and, after the presidential elections, sent to the Minister of Labour, Rosário Palma Ramalho, reports Público (paywalled). The 'extensive' document includes the 'improvement' ...
In a document submitted to the Minister of Labour, Solidarity and Social Security at a bilateral meeting on 3 September, CGTP proposes revoking banked hours and widening access to flexible working arrangements. The union seeks to extend flexible hours to parents with children up to 16 years old and to introduce limits on fixed‑term contracts. If adopted, the measures would shift scheduling power toward workers with family responsibilities and constrain employer use of temporary hours arrangements.
The prime minister is willing to “receive proposals and contributions” on the revision of the labour law, rejecting that the Government's proposal represents any “civilisational regression” and that the Executive is handling this process with “arrogance”. One day after meeting the CGTP about the labour law revision, Luís Montenegro presided this Wednesday, at the residence ...
The CGTP's secretary-general said today that 'it is not the Government's aim to withdraw' the amendments to the labour law from discussion and indicated that the trade union centre will convene its national council to discuss new forms of action.
They think differently, but they marched side by side in defence of workers. Jorge Pinto was in the Alentejo and, despite the geographical distance, made a point of expressing solidarity with the protest.
Bloco de Esquerda and the PCP respond to the Labour Minister, saying it was the Government that 'self-excluded from the rights of five million workers'.
CGTP and UGT held a general strike on 11 December 2025 against the Government's proposal, the fifth to bring together the two trade union centres.
An overview of the legislation surrounding general strikes, their impact on the workforce, and the rights of workers involved.
In a letter sent to the Government, the Altice Group Workers' Union states that the labour reform is “one of the greatest attacks on workers' rights since April 25th”.
