Train strike triggers PM call for new labor rules
In response to Montenegro’s remarks, Socialist Party leader Pedro Nuno Santos accused the prime minister of “authoritarianism.”
Prime Minister Luís Montenegro has called the ongoing national railway strike “absolutely unfair” and floated the possibility of changing Portugal’s strike laws, drawing swift criticism from opposition leaders.
Speaking Thursday during a campaign event in Figueira da Foz, Montenegro said the government had “done everything” to prevent the CP (Comboios de Portugal) strike, which has brought train services to a halt nationwide.
He accused political and electoral motives of driving the strike, which has been called by 14 unions and will continue until May 14.
“Our belief – mine and that of the government – is that political and partisan interests ultimately derailed what should have been a normal negotiation,” he said, criticizing the lack of minimum service requirements and describing the disruption as disproportionate to any legitimate worker grievances.
Montenegro made it clear he does not intend to end the right to strike, but he called for a more “proportional” system that balances labor rights with the public interest.
“We can’t let the right to strike dominate to the point of paralyzing the entire country,” he said.
“One day, we’ll have to put a stop to this.”
Reactions
In response to Montenegro’s remarks, Socialist Party leader Pedro Nuno Santos accused the prime minister of “authoritarianism,” warning that talk of restricting strike rights sends a dangerous message.
“The right to strike is a constitutional guarantee,” he said.
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, while refraining from commenting directly on Montenegro’s proposal, reminded the public that labor unrest tends to escalate around election periods.
Speaking from Belém Palace, he said that reviewing the strike law is “not currently on the table” and emphasized that “strikes inevitably cause problems, but they are a legitimate right.”
On the other hand, the leader of the Liberals (IL) Rui Rocha expressed openness to discussing the strike law, saying, “There are no untouchable laws,” while stressing that the right to strike itself must remain protected.
Strike motives
The strike, which has shut down rail traffic across the country, was launched in protest against wage increases that unions argue do not keep pace with inflation or restore lost purchasing power.
Workers are demanding fairer collective bargaining, implementation of agreed-upon salary restructurings, and stronger wage negotiations.
Tensions are rising across Portugal as commuters face mounting delays.
In Sintra, at Agualva-Cacém station, one man was reportedly arrested after an altercation with police amid overcrowded and insufficient bus alternatives.
CP has publicly apologized to passengers and criticized the lack of court-mandated minimum services, which it is now contesting in court. The company argues that basic access to work, education, and healthcare must be maintained, and without minimum services, the strike’s impact is unnecessarily severe.
With no resolution in sight, the strike is expected to cause continued disruption well into next week, further fueling political tension as Portugal’s election campaign gains momentum.