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Tens of thousands in Portugal protest proposed labor reforms

Tens of thousands in Portugal protest proposed labor reforms | iNFOnews.ca
A demonstrator carrying a poster with the words "No to the labour package" shouts slogans during a national protest by workers unions against a new labour package being prepared by the government, in Lisbon, Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)
Original Publication Date: November 8, 2025 10:33AM
Publication Updated: November 8, 2025 2:37PM

LISBON (AP) — Tens of thousands of people in Lisbon took to the streets Saturday to protest labor reforms put forth by the center-right government.

The protest was organized by the country’s main labor union in opposition to an overhaul of labor laws that Prime Minister Luis Montenegro’s government says are aimed at improving productivity and flexibility in the job market. Opponents want the package withdrawn and say it threatens workers’ rights.

Demonstrators carried posters that read “No to the labor package” and called for higher wages.

The reforms would make worker dismissals easier. Other controversial elements include a limit on how long breastfeeding women can claim a flexible work schedule and reduced miscarriage bereavement leave.

Portugal’s current minimum wage stands at 870 euros (about $1,007) per month. Protesters carried signs calling for it to rise to 1,050 euros ($1,214) in 2026.

Montenegro, who leads the center-right Democratic Alliance, heads a minority government in the European Union nation of 10.6 million people. The bill has to go to parliament where it’s expected to pass with the support of Chega, the-far right and largest opposition party.

Organizers of Saturday’s protest announced a general strike on Dec. 11.

Tens of thousands in Portugal protest proposed labor reforms | iNFOnews.ca
Demonstrators march down Liberdade Avenue during a national protest by workers unions against a new labour package being prepared by the government, in Lisbon, Portugal, Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)
Tens of thousands in Portugal protest proposed labor reforms | iNFOnews.ca
Demonstrators carry banners read “No to the labour package” and “Demand a better life” during a national protest by workers unions against a new labour package being prepared by the government in Lisbon, Portugal, Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)
Tens of thousands in Portugal protest proposed labor reforms | iNFOnews.ca
Demonstrators carrying posters read “No to the labour package” march down Liberdade Avenue during a national protest by workers unions against a new labour package being prepared by the government in Lisbon, Portugal, Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)
Tens of thousands in Portugal protest proposed labor reforms | iNFOnews.ca
A delivery rider pushes his bike to cross the path of demonstrators marching down Lisbon’s Liberdade Avenue during a national protest by workers unions against a new labour package being prepared by the government, Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)

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