Portugal is preparing for a day of major transport disruption as a general strike is scheduled for December 11, the first mobilization of this kind since 2013. The movement is organized by the two major trade union confederations, CGTP and UGT, in protest against the government’s proposed labor law reform.
Public transport will be the sector most affected, and the rail operator CP – Comboios de Portugal has announced in advance “significant disruptions” on all services, including Alfa Pendular, Intercidades, InterRegional, and Regional. According to the company, both Wednesday (December 10) and Friday (December 12) may see side effects of the protest, with cancellations and delays.
For passengers who have tickets for affected trains, CP allows full refunds or free exchanges for tickets for another journey in the same category. Requests can be made online, through the CP app, or at ticket offices, including up to 10 days after the strike ends.
Air transport and regional connections affected
Although the strike focuses on the public sector, the effects also extend to air transport. The national carrier TAP Air Portugal has already canceled dozens of flights and will only operate the minimum services required by law.
The company said that “it will be very difficult to maintain the normal flight schedule,” according to the SNPVAC union, which represents more than 5,000 crew members of TAP, easyJet, Ryanair, and Azores Airlines.
In the Azores archipelago, operators SATA and Azores Airlines intend to provide only a few essential connections, with the support of the handling company SPdH.
The strike targets labor law reform
The protest comes amid union opposition to legislative changes that would expand the list of services required to operate during strikes, extend the duration of fixed-term contracts, and facilitate layoffs.
The leaders of the two trade union confederations described the situation as “very serious,” stressing that the decision to call the strike was taken after negotiations with the government broke down.
Major impact on travelers
On December 11, the following are expected:
- massive train cancellations, including on the main national lines
- extended delays on regional routes
- limited operation of the metro and city buses, especially in Lisbon and Porto
- disrupted road traffic, including on motorways
According to European Regulation 261/2004, passengers affected by flight cancellations or delays are entitled to refunds or rebooking, as well as assistance (meals, accommodation) depending on the length of the delay. The compensation situation varies depending on the nature of the strike (airline staff vs. airport staff).
European context: December brings a wave of transport strikes
The general strike in Portugal comes in a month marked by similar protests in several European countries. In Italy, unions have announced a national strike on December 12, which will affect the Trenitalia and Italo rail networks, as well as airports in Rome, Milan, and other major cities.
In France, SNCF workers went on strike on December 2, disrupting TGV, regional trains, and international connections, including Eurostar.
At the European level, this chain of strikes is having a “domino effect” on airlines. Flights operated by Ryanair, easyJet, Lufthansa, Air France, and other companies have already been disrupted, and the risks are increasing for passengers with connections through Rome, Milan, Paris, or Lisbon.
Urban transport and airport staff are also at the center of the protests, amplifying delays across all modes of transport.
The wave of strikes is fueled by demands for higher wages and better working conditions amid high inflation and stagnant incomes in the transport sector.
Unions say workers are facing rising costs for housing, utilities, and food, while transport companies argue that staff shortages and operational pressures are limiting their ability to meet these demands.
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