Debate ensued in the Portuguese Parliament over the Government’s “Trabalho XXI” labor reform package, currently under discussion in social dialogue platforms. The constructive criticism led by the Communist Party deputy, Alfredo Maia, who accused the government of adhering to outdated 19th-century labor laws and serving business interests, was supported by the Left Bloc and Livre, and broadly echoed by the PS and PAN.
Maia argued that the PSD/CDS executive aims to establish a low-wage model and precariousness through deregulating working hours, dismissing workers’ rights enshrined in the Constitution, and promised strong union mobilization.
Strong opposition came from Carla Barros of the PSD, who dismissed the PCP’s economic ideology and stressed that the “Trabalho XXI” package is under discussion within social dialogue, involving worker representation, but accused the PCP of disrespecting this process.
Maia responded by noting that the Labor Minister has indicated that the Government will press ahead with legislative changes even without social dialogue agreement, leveraging the parliamentary majority of PSD/CDS, Chega, and Iniciativa Liberal.
Chega’s Bruno Nunes issued sharp criticisms towards the Communist Party, claiming their policies promote dependency on subsidies and make current labor laws cumbersome for management.
In contrast, Livre’s parliamentary leader, Isabel Mendes Lopes, condemned the proposed reforms for not considering technological advancements, likely violating workers’ and family rights.
PS’s Hugo Oliveira criticized the government’s “disloyalty” for not addressing labor law revisions in its electoral campaign, vowing socialist opposition and referencing labor-friendly reforms under António Costa’s leadership.
Echoing criticisms, PAN’s Inês de Sousa Real highlighted the dismissal of pregnant women, while Andreia Galvão of the Left Bloc pointed out significant layoffs in textiles, footwear, and companies like Teleperformance.
