Nationwide Public Sector Strike: Schools Closed and Health Services Disrupted Across Portugal

Nationwide Strike Impacting Education and Health Services

A 24-hour strike by public sector workers has caused significant disruptions across Portugal, with approximately 60% participation reported. Schools are closed while health facilities have halted services, leading to a backlog of surgeries, consultations, and exams.

This morning, Elisabete Gonçalves from the National Federation of Independent Public Administration Unions (Fesinap) confirmed that the impact of the strike is being felt nationwide, with hospitals like Santa Maria and São João reporting closed consultations and postponed surgeries. In some areas, the strike participation in health services reached 90% overnight.

Orlando Gonçalves, from the Northern Public and Social Workers Union, noted a minimum of 80% participation at the Hospital de São João, where only essential services are being maintained, such as emergency and oncology surgeries.

The strike, which began at midnight, aims to address grievances in both education and health sectors. In education, the closures have left parents in distress, as repeated strikes have led to lost learning opportunities for students. Filinto Lima, president of the National Association of Directors of Public Schools (ANDAEP), expressed concern over the frequency of school closures, stating they have faced the possibility of closing eight times since the start of the academic year.

Workers are demanding better pay and working conditions, particularly following the government's refusal to create a special career path for non-teaching staff. Helder Sá, vice-secretary-general of Fesinap, expressed disappointment in the government's response, highlighting the need for urgent negotiations to resolve ongoing issues.

Health Sector's Struggles

In the health sector, grievances have been accumulating since July, with no meetings held between union representatives and the government since then. Workers are pushing for better working conditions, the hiring of additional staff, and improvements in their career paths.

Parents' Frustration

Parents are particularly frustrated with the ongoing strikes, as they are left scrambling for childcare while schools remain closed. The situation is creating significant stress for families, with many parents feeling overwhelmed by the lack of resolution.

The public sector strike is a clear indication of the growing discontent among workers in Portugal, as they demand better recognition and support for their crucial roles in society.