Europe Asia News

Portugal’s largest trade union, the General Confederation of Portuguese Workers (CGTP), announced that it will hold a general strike on December 11 to protest the government’s proposed changes to labor laws.

CGTP Secretary General Tiago Oliveira described the changes as “one of the biggest attacks ever made against workers in Portugal.”

Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro claimed that the changes aim to increase productivity and flexibility in the labor market.

The government seeks to amend more than 100 provisions of the Labor Code, including making it easier to dismiss employees and shortening maternity leave for women who give birth. The changes are also expected to make it easier for employers to offer flexible working hours.

At a rally in Lisbon, Oliveira said, “If these changes are approved, it will be a setback for all our lives.” Thousands of protesters marched through the city streets demanding the withdrawal of the reforms.