Tens of thousands of demonstrators flooded the streets of Lisbon on November 8, 2025, protesting the Portuguese government’s proposed labour reforms that critics argue would erode worker rights and job security. The massive rally, organized by leading unions, signals deepening public discontent over measures intended to boost economic flexibility.
On Saturday, an estimated 100,000 people gathered in Lisbon’s main avenues, waving banners and chanting slogans against the legislative changes. The protest, one of the largest in recent years, was coordinated by the General Confederation of Portuguese Workers (CGTP) and other unions, drawing participants from various sectors including healthcare, education, and manufacturing. Police presence was notable, though no official crowd estimates were provided, and the event remained peaceful throughout. The demonstration highlighted the broad coalition opposed to the reforms, with many expressing fears over potential job losses and reduced protections.
The centre-right government’s labour package aims to simplify dismissal procedures, allow greater outsourcing of work, and curtail certain types of compassionate leave, such as reducing bereavement leave for women who suffer miscarriages. Officials defend these changes as necessary to enhance job market flexibility and stimulate productivity in Portugal, which has one of the lower economic outputs in Western Europe. Supporters argue that current regulations are overly rigid, hindering business growth and competitiveness. However, opponents view the reforms as a rollback of hard-won worker rights that could lead to increased precarity.
Union leaders have vehemently condemned the proposals, with CGTP general secretary Tiago Oliveira labeling them “one of the greatest attacks ever made against workers” in Portugal. During the protest, Oliveira announced a general strike scheduled for December 11, 2025, urging broader mobilization against the legislation. Protesters echoed these sentiments; for instance, Miriam Alves, a 31-year-old medical device worker, told Reuters that the reforms represent “a step backward in working conditions and could lead to a complete lack of job security.” Another participant, archive technician Madalena Pena, 34, accused the government of implementing changes “in an unfair, subtle, and cunning way” without prior electoral disclosure.
The bill is expected to pass in parliament with backing from the far-right Chega party, raising concerns about the influence of populist politics on labour policy. This alliance has intensified debates over social justice and economic direction in Portugal, with critics warning that it could undermine democratic norms. The government, elected in May 2025, has prioritized economic reforms, but the protest underscores significant public resistance. Political analysts note that the situation could test the administration’s ability to balance reform agendas with social cohesion.
Beyond the specific reforms, the protest also addressed broader economic issues, such as low wages and inequality. Official data indicates that over 50% of Portuguese workers earned less than 1,000 euros per month in the previous year, with the minimum wage set at only 870 euros. Many demonstrators called for higher pay and better living standards, arguing that the proposed laws would exacerbate financial struggles for low-income families. This economic backdrop has fueled anger, with unions emphasizing that labour protections are crucial for mitigating poverty and ensuring fair compensation.
The announced general strike in December suggests that labour unrest may escalate, potentially disrupting key sectors and increasing pressure on the government to reconsider the reforms. If implemented, the changes could have far-reaching effects on employment practices, influencing similar debates in other European nations facing economic challenges. Observers are monitoring how the government responds to the dissent, with possibilities for negotiation or amendments to the bill. The outcome could shape Portugal’s labour landscape for years to come, affecting millions of workers and the country’s social fabric.
The Lisbon protest reflects a global trend of worker mobilization against neoliberal policies, emphasizing the tension between economic modernization and social welfare. As Portugal navigates this conflict, the events of November 8 may mark a pivotal moment in its political and economic evolution. The coming weeks will reveal whether compromises can be reached or if further confrontations lie ahead, with implications for stability and policy direction in the region.
