Portugal is in a state of total blockage, as the two major unions, CGTP and UGT, have launched a general strike for the first time in 12 years, in response to a labor reform package adopted by the government. These reforms are seen as an attack on workers' rights, especially those of women and young people, and allow employers to indefinitely extend temporary contracts. The protests are affecting transportation, hospitals, and other public services, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a travel warning. Prime Minister Luís Montenegro claims that the reforms will improve salaries, but the unions dispute this, stating that the measures favor employers.
The unions also warn that the changes could affect the Constitution of Portugal, and the opposition to these reforms is strong, including from some members of the governing coalition. The strike is not limited to the public sector, and employees from large factories, such as Autoeuropa, have joined the protest, highlighting the negative impact of the reforms on all workers in the country.
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