Three public function union structures affiliated with CGTP called a general careers strike for October 2, covering approximately 350,000 workers in central, direct and indirect, local, and regional Public Administration. The strike is jointly organized by the National Federation of Trade Unions of Workers in Public and Social Functions, by STAL, and by the Trade Union of Workers of the Municipality of Lisbon.
The unions are demanding immediate appreciation of these professionals' careers, recognition of the specificities of the professions, and immediate start of salary negotiations, without waiting for next year. Joaquim Ribeiro, leader of the national federation, stated that the strike serves as an "urgent alert to the Government" to demonstrate that negotiations cannot wait until 2027 to begin.
The union leader recalled that the strike covers "the worst paid in public administration" and accused the Government of Luís Montenegro of, over the last two years, "always leaving general career workers for last." The unions also scheduled a demonstration in Lisbon for the same day, at 11am.
Joaquim Ribeiro acknowledged that the strike will cause disruption to the population, but stated that workers go on strike so that public service is better delivered. The union anticipates "thousands of public services closed, with thousands of schools closed and disruptions in garbage collection."
