From a total of 153 scheduled trains today, 77 were canceled, marking a cancellation rate of 50.3%. Long-distance travel was most affected, with only one out of ten planned journeys taking place, according to an initial assessment.
Regional trains followed, with a cancellation rate of 81.6%, as 40 out of the 49 scheduled were not running.
Regarding urban trains, in Lisbon, 42 out of 59 trains operated; in Porto, 21 out of 30, and in Coimbra, three out of five, resulting in cancellation rates of approximately 28.8%, 30%, and 40%, respectively.
The Train Drivers Union (SMAQ) called for a strike from today until Wednesday, focusing solely on overtime work, including work during weekly rest days.
From Wednesday, May 7th, to Friday, several unions, including SMAQ, were on strike. During this period, no minimum services were maintained, resulting in a complete halt of operations.
The SMAQ is demanding adherence to the agreement reached on April 24 between CP management and the unions, stating, “The government cannot claim the merits of negotiation and then evade its responsibilities in implementation.”
Starting Sunday, a new strike will commence, extending until Wednesday, by the Itinerant Commercial Review Railway Union (SFRCI), involving inspectors and ticket office workers.
This strike will be partial, occurring from 5 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. on Monday and Tuesday, while on Sunday and Wednesday, it will only minimally affect long-distance trains, according to the union.
Attempts were made to contact SMAQ for comment, but no response has been received at this time.
