During the march that commenced at Largo Camões in Lisbon, workers from all mainland districts and the islands voiced their demands, catching some tourists off guard while receiving encouragement from passersby. Participants seized opportunities during stops along the march to find shade along the route.
Chants echoed, including “The cost of living increases, people can’t endure it,” “a salary increase is urgent and necessary,” “we cannot accept becoming poorer while working,” “the risk is daily, a supplement is necessary,” and “a different policy is required urgently,” repeated by participants throughout the procession.
Beyond operational assistants from municipal councils and boroughs, the protest saw participation from workers in local enterprise sectors, including EGEAC—Empresa de Gestão e Equipamentos Culturais da Câmara de Lisboa employees, who demand salary increases.
Representatives from other local sector professions such as firefighters, water services, and urban transport were present, including a delegation of urban transport drivers from Coimbra, “fighting for their careers,” and workers from Águas de Portugal, “striving for professional recognition.”
The demonstration was organized by the Public Administration Workers’ Union (STAL), which stated that workers are demanding salary increases for operational assistants, technical assistants, and senior technicians.
STAL has aligned with the Common Front and other Public Administration unions’ proposals, advocating for an interim review of the minimum wage to reach 1,000 euros this year, with a minimum increase of 150 euros for all workers.
Workers are also calling for an increase in meal subsidies, general career advancement, and restoration of local administration career paths.
