The Train Drivers’ Union (SMAQ) has called for a strike from today until Wednesday, specifically targeting overtime work, including on weekly rest days. This follows a complete strike in the sector, with no minimum services, which took place from Wednesday to Friday (May 7 to 9), resulting in a total halt in train operations.
Based on the latest report from CP, among the 339 trains scheduled between midnight and noon, 124 (36.6%) were canceled. Notably, over half of these cancellations (77) occurred up to 8:00 AM. Since then, until noon, the number of cancellations decreased to 47.
The long-distance service, which was the most affected, saw nine out of the ten scheduled trains from midnight to 8:00 AM canceled. However, the service is beginning to return to normal, with seven out of the 13 scheduled journeys from 8:00 AM to noon taking place.
During this latter period, urban train services in Lisbon were running normally, with all 72 scheduled trips completed.
The updated report indicates that 53 regional trains were scheduled between 8:00 AM and noon, with 27 canceled. Additionally, 12 out of 42 urban trains in Porto were canceled, as well as two out of six in Coimbra.
Antonio Domingues, President of the Train Drivers’ Union (SMAQ), explained that “these cancellations are still a reflection of yesterday’s [Friday’s] strike,” adding that CP will progressively resume services as workers return. “For instance, a worker was supposed to appear yesterday [Friday] for a journey to Faro and did not show up, resulting in their absence today for the return trip,” he elaborated. As the day progresses, cancellations are expected to decrease, becoming more sporadic since the strike only affects overtime work.
The SMAQ is demanding adherence to the agreement reached on April 24 between CP management and the unions, emphasizing that “the Government cannot claim the negotiation merits while shirking its responsibilities in implementation.”
Starting Sunday, a new strike, also until Wednesday, will be initiated by the Itinerant Commercial Revision Railway Union (SFRCI), involving inspectors and ticket office workers.
This strike will be partial, occurring between 5:00 AM and 8:30 AM on Monday and Tuesday. On Sunday and Wednesday, the strike will only have a minimal effect on long-distance trains, according to the union.
