### Portugal's General Strike: A Historic Protest Against Labour Reforms On December 11, 2025, Portugal experienced its first general strike in over a decade, significantly disrupting transport and public services across the country. The strike was organized by the two main trade union confederations, representing nearly a million workers, in response to proposed labour reforms by the minority centre-right government. These reforms aim to amend over 100 articles of the labour code, which the unions argue would strip workers of essential rights and entitlements, while the government claims they are necessary to enhance productivity and economic growth [https://www.asiaone.com/world/portugal-general-strike-stalls-transport-closes-schools-labour-reform-protest][https://apnews.com/article/portugal-strike-unions-government-employment-law-7ab975372784b5ff81075569efac8e33]. ### Structure of the Response 1. **Overview of the Strike** - Description of the strike's initiation and its scale. - Key players involved: unions and government. 2. **Impact on Services and Travel** - Details on the disruptions caused to transport, schools, and healthcare services. - Statistics on cancellations and service halts. 3. **Union and Government Positions** - Summary of the unions' arguments against the proposed reforms. - Government's rationale for the changes. 4. **Public Response and Future Implications** - Reactions from the public and potential future actions by the unions. - Broader implications for labour relations in Portugal. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Disruptions:** - Train services were completely halted, and hundreds of flights were cancelled [https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/portugal-general-strike-stalls-transport-closes-schools-in-labour-reform-protest]. - Schools across the country were closed, affecting thousands of students [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/business/3727995-nationwide-strike-disrupts-portugal-unions-protest-labor-reforms]. - **Union Representation:** - The strike is noted to be one of the largest in over a decade, with participation from major unions representing close to a million workers [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/business/3727995-nationwide-strike-disrupts-portugal-unions-protest-labor-reforms]. - **Government's Position:** - The government argues that the reforms are essential for economic flexibility and growth, despite union claims that they undermine worker rights [https://www.freedom969.com/world-news/a-major-strike-in-portugal-is-expected-to-bring-widespread-disruption]. ### Summary of Findings 1. **Historic Strike:** - The general strike on December 11, 2025, marks a significant moment in Portugal's labour history, reflecting deep-seated tensions between workers and the government regarding labour rights. 2. **Widespread Disruption:** - The strike led to extensive disruptions in transport and public services, highlighting the immediate impact of the unions' actions on daily life in Portugal. 3. **Divergent Views:** - The unions and the government present starkly different views on the necessity and implications of the proposed labour reforms, setting the stage for ongoing conflict. 4. **Future Considerations:** - The outcome of this strike and the government's response may shape the future landscape of labour relations in Portugal, with potential for further protests and negotiations [https://www.standard-journal.com/ap/world/article_6b6787fe-c100-572e-9bb3-e463dcc9fd10.html].