“All forms of struggle are on the table, including a general strike,” stated the CGTP-IN representative in Beja, following a meeting with delegates, leaders, and union activists from the Alentejo district.
Tiago Carvalho indicated that a general strike might occur “if the government insists on maintaining what the Minister [of Labor] has proposed, to push forward with this labor package.”
“We know there is a process [and] have already expressed this to the government. Everything depends on the government’s decision to retract the labor package,” he argued.
For CGTP, he warned, “depending on the attack, depending on the response from workers,” as the changes proposed to the Labor Code by the government represent “a significant setback for workers.”
Tiago Oliveira attended the meeting organized by the Union of Unions of the Beja District during the morning, followed by a march of trade unionists to the Portas de Mértola in the city center.
On the 4th of this month, in Lisbon, during a teachers’ protest, the general secretary of CGTP had already urged the government to withdraw completely from the proposed changes to the Labor Code, considering a general strike, supported by both Intersindical and UGT unions.
In Beja, Tiago Oliveira reiterated criticisms of the draft labor legislation reform, titled “Labor XXI,” currently under discussion in social dialogue, emphasizing the need for the government to “completely withdraw” these amendments.
The reforms, he argued, contain “more than 100 measures” and constitute an attack on workers.
“We have a government that continues to enforce a policy of devaluation of work and workers” and “a policy that undermines the rights and interests of workers,” he criticized.
It is “a policy attacking labor legislation, but also an assault on public services, the National Health Service, schools, and even Social Security itself,” he added.
“We will continue to fight against the labor package, bringing workers’ discontent and struggle into the streets and workplaces,” he stated, noting that a national march is scheduled for November 8 in Lisbon, with escalating actions “all battles are on the table.”
Asked by Lusa about the State Budget for 2026 (OE2026), the general secretary claimed that the document and its presentation are “a lie, a deceit, a sham.”
As examples, he pointed out that OE2026 foresees “a 1.5% increase in health expenses,” while simultaneously “projecting 2.1% in inflation growth.”
“This is not an investment; it’s disinvestment, once again,” he assured, highlighting similar trends in the education sector, with “an investment of over 4.5%,” yet OE2026 “allocates over 14.5% for purchasing weaponry for the military industry.”
“This reflects the political choices that prioritize public service valuation and responsiveness to people’s needs over entrenched interests in the arms industry and capital at the majority’s expense,” he accused.
