Schools closed, services slowed and flights cancelled: strikes hit Portugal

A series of strikes involving over 350,000 public administration workers in Portugal took effect on Friday, prompting closures of numerous schools and disruptions to essential services.

The National Federation of Public and Social Service Workers (FNSTFPS), the National Union of Local and Regional Administration Workers, Public Companies, Concessionaires and Related Entities (STAL) and the Lisbon Municipal Workers Union (STML) jointly called for the strike action, affecting dozens of educational institutions across the nation, including the Azores and Madeira.

Sebastião Santana, a coordinator for the National Union, reported a high level of support for the protest in Lisbon, noting that the 24-hour stoppage led to the closure of many schools. Outside the Francisco Arruda School in the capital, which remained shut, Santana emphasized the strong turnout for the demonstration.

Beyond schools, the strikes may also impact social security services, registry and notary offices, judicial processes, and waste collection, as well as certain health facilities under the Ministry of Health. Negotiations aim to improve career structures for affected professionals.

Meanwhile, EasyJet's cabin crew launched a five-day strike, with the union SNPVAC reporting that 80% of flights at Lisbon, Porto, and Faro airports will be canceled during the action. EasyJet anticipates operating approximately 55% of its schedule through minimum services and flights from other European bases, though some operations may occur illegally.

Further strike activity is planned from December 19 to 23.