The CP railway company has announced that a court ruling will allow it to maintain a significant portion of its usual service, ensuring minimal impact on urban services in Lisbon and Porto over the days spanning from May 11 to May 14. This measure will also enable the operation of approximately 50% of the scheduled trains on May 12 and 13, according to their statement.
The company recalled that it had proposed setting essential services at 30%, but the Arbitral Tribunal determined that 25% would suffice to guarantee necessary mobility.
The Arbitral Tribunal of the Economic and Social Council stipulated a minimum service operation at 25% of all scheduled trains, including long-distance, regional, and urban services in Lisbon, Porto, and Coimbra. This decision followed a strike announced by the SFRCI – Railway Union of Mobile Commercial Revision, covering the period from midnight on May 11 to midnight on May 14, 2025.
The operator expressed agreement with this decision, contrasting it with recent rulings where the proposed minimum service levels were lower than necessary, leading to a complete suspension of train operations. The company views the decision as more balanced, safeguarding passengers’ rights to mobility, work, health, and education while respecting the right to strike.
Strikes at CP are set to continue over the weekend, but the impact is expected to be reduced. On Saturday, drivers will strike against overtime work, and on Sunday, ticket inspectors and ticket office workers will join the protest.
From Saturday to Wednesday, the strike called by the Train Drivers’ Union (SMAQ) will continue, affecting only overtime work, including work on rest days, according to information on the union’s website.
A new strike will begin on Sunday and continue until Wednesday, involving ticket inspectors and ticket office workers, represented by the SFRCI. This partial strike will occur between 5 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. on Monday and Tuesday, explained Luís Bravo, SFRCI’s president, to Lusa. On Sunday and Wednesday, the strike will have a “residual” impact on long-distance trains, he added.
