Portugal faces a wave of nationwide labor strikes and housing protests throughout November, bringing together public sector workers, unions, and civic movements demanding higher wages, better working conditions, and immediate action against the housing crisis.
The protests build on social mobilization that began in Porto on Oct. 10 and spread to Lisbon and other cities following parliamentary approval of a new rental law currently under specialized review. Controversial police interventions to clear encampments in Lisbon’s Rossio square and Porto’s Dom João I square have since sparked intense debate across civil society regarding the use of police force and the limits of the right to demonstrate.
Public Sector Strikes and National Demonstrations Scheduled
Labor action begins with a strike called by the National Union of Services and Public-Purpose Entity Workers (STTS), covering central, regional, and local public administration employees, public institutes, and state-owned enterprises including local health units. Workers are demanding a daily meal allowance of 10.20 euros, revisions to the public administration evaluation system to preserve points earned under fixed-term contracts, a risk subsidy for healthcare auxiliary technicians, collective agreement revisions, and increased staff hiring.
Protests intensify mid-month with a National Day of Action for Housing on Nov. 14, organized by the Casa para Viver and Porta a Porta movements. Decentralized actions are planned across the country, including the Azores and Madeira, with rallies starting at 15:00 at Alameda Dom Afonso Henriques in Lisbon and Praça do Marquês in Porto. Protest organizers vow to remain in the streets until authorities reverse the new rental law, halt housing demolitions and evictions without alternative accommodation, brake property acquisitions by real estate funds, expand public housing, recover vacant properties, and enforce truly accessible rent caps.
Additional labor disruptions include a public administration strike called by the Common Front for Nov. 20, which typically impacts schools and health services. The platform’s unions state they reject impoverishment, professional devaluation, and the destruction of public services. The final global vote on the State Budget for 2027 is scheduled for Nov. 24, and the Common Front demands that the government negotiate 83 proposals submitted on Sept. 30 to avert the strike.
CGTP Protests and Prison Guard Mobilization
Meanwhile, the General Confederation of the Portuguese Workers (CGTP) has scheduled a demonstration in Lisbon for Nov. 21 under the slogan ALL TO LISBON! | More salary and better pensions! For the right to Health, Habitation, Education, Social Security | Against the increase in the cost of living! Lower and control the prices of essential goods and services | A new course for Portugal
. CGTP leaders, delegates, and activists will also concentrate outside the Assembly of the Republic on Nov. 24 during the final budget vote.
In the correctional sector, the National Union of Prison Guard Corps has mobilized members for a strike running from Nov. 17 to Jan. 3, excluding minimum services and urgent intervention work. The union states the action will keep most inmates locked in cells for 22 hours a day, barring essential security and detainee procedures handled by specialized intervention and cynological groups. The union demands government compliance with agreements regarding overtime pay, pluriannual promotion plans, and supervisory training courses.
As November unfolds, the outcome of scheduled negotiations between labor unions and the government remains uncertain ahead of key budget votes and street demonstrations.
