Massive Protests Erupt in Lisbon Against Proposed Labour Laws

Sun Nov 09 2025 16:20:34 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Tens of thousands of protesters gathered in Lisbon's streets to oppose new labour law proposals that critics say could undermine workers' rights and job security.

In a significant display of dissent, thousands rallied in Lisbon against proposed changes to labour laws that critics argue threaten workers' rights. Demonstrators voiced concerns over easier layoffs, outsourcing, and cuts to compassionate leave, including bereavement leave for miscarriages. The government's argument for increased flexibility and productivity faced fierce opposition from unions, which have called for a general strike on December 11. While the bill is likely to pass with support from far-right parties, the protests underscore widespread discontent regarding workers' wages and job security in Portugal.

Tens of thousands have taken to the streets of Portugal's capital, Lisbon, to protest against proposed labour laws which they say threaten workers' rights.

The centre-right government wants to make it easier for employers to fire people, outsource work to other companies, and limit some types of compassionate leave, including cutting bereavement leave for women who suffer miscarriages.

It says the measures are needed to improve job flexibility and increase productivity in one of western Europe's poorest countries.

The head of Portugal's largest union, CGTP, called the reforms one of the greatest attacks ever made against workers in the country and announced a general strike for December 11.

The bill is likely to pass in parliament with support from far-right party Chega.

The union told Reuters that around 100,000 protesters filled Lisbon's main avenue, while the Associated Press also reported tens of thousands were present. No police estimate was available.

Speaking at the protest, Miriam Alves, 31, a worker at a medical device company, stated the reforms are clearly a step backward in working conditions and could lead to a complete lack of job security.

Archive technician Madalena Pena, 34, claimed the government was reversing labour rights in an unfair, subtle, and cunning way, without having said anything before the election in May.

CGTP general secretary Tiago Oliveira announced the strike for next month at the protest, asserting that if implemented, it would be a real setback in the lives of each and every one of us.

Protesters also demanded higher wages. Official data indicates more than 50% of workers earned less than 1,000 euros (£879) per month last year, with a minimum wage of only 870 euros (£764).