Portugal’s rail services are halted as disgruntled workers continue to strike
Portugal’s national railway operator, CP – Comboios de Portugal, is facing a second consecutive day of complete service stoppage this Thursday as a strike called by 14 railway unions continued with full worker adherence.
As of 7.30am, union sources confirmed 100% participation, mirroring Wednesday’s turnout. With no progress reported in negotiations between the unions, CP, or the government, the disruption shows no signs of easing.
The strike, which is scheduled to continue until May 14, was called to protest imposed wage increases that unions argue fail to restore workers’ purchasing power. Union representatives are demanding fair collective bargaining, the implementation of a previously agreed salary restructuring, and stronger wage negotiations.
Meanwhile, the suspension of rail services has shifted pressure other means of transportation In Sintra, at the Agualva-Cacém station, tensions escalated as packed buses bypassed waiting commuters.
One man, frustrated over the lack of transport, was reportedly detained following a confrontation with police. Speaking to SIC Notícias, one eyewitness described the man expressing anger over the police presence while buses failed to accommodate those needing to get to work. The witness added that the man was taken down with batons and detained without resistance.
CP has publicly regretted the disruption caused to passengers and criticised the absence of court-mandated minimum services during the strike. The company is challenging this decision in court, citing public access to work, education, and healthcare as essential.
With negotiations stalled and no minimum services enforced, the coming days are expected to bring further challenges for thousands of rail passengers across the country.
