Where Our Money Is: Mass Strikes of Public Servants Paralyze Portugal 0

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Where Our Money Is: Mass Strikes of Public Servants Paralyze Portugal

The strike led to the closure of most infrastructure facilities.

The nationwide strike of public administration workers, announced by the General Front Union, affected various sectors: healthcare, education, public transport, utilities, and others.

The Local Administration Workers' Union (STAL) reported in a note published on its website that the strike led to the closure of many services in "most municipalities and municipal companies": construction sites, workshops, water supply and sewage services, schools, kindergartens, public transport, swimming pools, inspections, libraries, operational sectors, treasuries, customer and administrative services.

This organization also reported a "strong adherence" to the strike in night waste collection services, which caused disruptions in Lousã, Moita, Palmela, and Seixal. In Vila Franca de Xira, the strike covered 95% of employees, in Amadora - 90%, in Évora - 80%, in Barreiro - 71%.

The leader of the Front, Sebastião Santana, noted that the increase in the healthcare budget in 2026 is even below the inflation rate, and that of the total amount of 17 billion euros, more than half is directed to the private sector (for examinations, surgeries, medications, etc., funded by the state).

"760,000 people are public administration workers who have a significant impact on Portuguese society. If the government does not take this into account, it is a very serious short-sightedness," he said.

The General Front demands a 15% salary increase (at least 150 euros), considering a small surplus of 0.1% of gross domestic product (GDP). When asked if there would be room for this in the 2026 state budget, the union leader answered affirmatively but added: "Unless political priorities change."

Also among the main demands of the General Front that led to the mobilization are career advancement, protection of public services, restoration of public relations, and the abolition of SIADAP, the "integrated system for management and performance evaluation in public administration."

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