Portugal's largest labor union accuses Chega of shifting reform position ahead of June strike
The CGTP-IN (Confederação Geral dos Trabalhadores Portugueses) has accused the Chega party of constantly changing its opposition stance on a sweeping labor reform package now pending in Parliament, raising doubts about the controversial bill's prospects. The union has already called a general strike for June 3 and claims political maneuvering could determine the bill's fate.
The Core Disagreement
Tiago Oliveira, secretary-general of the CGTP-IN, told the Lusa news agency that Chega's negotiating position has shifted repeatedly since the Government first unveiled the "Trabalho XXI" reform proposal. When the draft was introduced, André Ventura's party cited parental leave protections and breastfeeding provisions as non-negotiable priorities.
"Then Chega forgot those red lines and found new ones: shift work and night work regulations," Oliveira recalled. "Now they've apparently forgotten those too, since the latest ultimatums focus on lowering the retirement age and increasing vacation days."
Chega initially declared the bill "bad" and pledged to vote against it unless substantial amendments were made. Yet the party has also signaled openness to negotiation, with Ventura stating publicly that the bill could transform "from bad to good" if the Prime Minister Luís Montenegro's government introduces specific changes.
Union Mobilization Strategy
Oliveira invoked an old labor saying: "There are parties that dance to the music, and it will be the workers who play that music." He suggested that Chega has historically been responsive to street pressure, indicating the union's mobilization strategy is designed to influence the party's ultimate vote.
The CGTP's approach hinges on mass mobilization ahead of the June 3 general strike. Over the past months, union leaders have met with every parliamentary group, arguing that aspects of the reform represent a rollback of protections workers have secured over decades.
Oliveira criticized the Government's negotiating posture, asserting that the executive refused to discuss CGTP proposals during social dialogue, choosing instead to engage only with the UGT (the other major union confederation) and business groups. "This Government has been very effective at trying to spin the message," Oliveira said, "but we cannot forget that much of what is being discussed today as minor advances—workers had that and much more years ago."
What's at Stake
Sectors already committed to the June 3 general strike include the civil service (health and education), transportation, aviation, and retail. The walkout represents both a demonstration of worker sentiment and a test of the Government's political capital.
For residents navigating Portugal's job market, the outcome of this legislative battle will shape employment protections and working conditions in coming years. The June 3 general strike will serve as a significant signal of how this parliamentary debate will conclude.
