### Non-Teaching Staff Strike Continues
Since the beginning of the school year, **Fridays have become strike days** for non-teaching staff across Portugal. Tomorrow marks the second strike day, which could lead to **school closures** or disruptions in services ranging from **preschool to higher education**.

![Non-Teaching Staff Strike](https://asset.skoiy.com/jnrcnjwljorqgsbu/2qqo1aimisml.jpg?w=1852&q=80&crop=4899,3266,0,0)

**Staff Demands**
The striking employees are advocating for **salary increases**, a **reduction in retirement age**, and **exclusive rights** within schools. The situation raises concerns about the impact on students and the overall educational environment in Portugal as the strikes continue.

**Photo Credit:** Pedro Granadeiro

Desde o arranque do ano letivo que as sextas-feiras são dia de greve dos não docentes. Amanhã será a segunda e pode voltar a fechar escolas ou serviços do Pré-Escolar ao Ensino Superior.

Non-Teaching Staff Strike Threatens School Closures in Portugal

### A Personal Reflection on Waste Management

I start with a story: In the 1980s, I lived in Porto, where a shop nearby bought fabrics and paper by the kilo. My father taught me the shop's value. From that day on, every discarded paper in my house had a destination; I sold it. At 11 years old, I used the money for my youthful desires. Did I get rich? No, but there was no paper littering Porto, as it was a valuable material.

When I moved to Lisbon in 2005, my lifestyle changed. I had to park far from home and noticed the streets littered with garbage. Residents emptied their homes, leaving trash on the streets for weeks. I've documented countless situations and reported them to local authorities.

### Ineffective Solutions and Political Weight

I've witnessed various attempts to tackle the problem, but few have been effective. What is the cost of waste collection? What is the political weight of inefficiency in waste management? Where do the waste go? 

Paper, glass, metal, textiles, and cardboard are by-products that can re-enter production cycles, serving as raw materials for paper, glass, and steel industries. Thus, citizens are not just throwing away trash; they are wasting essential raw materials. Recycling and recovering these materials save energy and water.

### The Impact of Commercial Areas

In Lisbon, the impact of waste disposal varies depending on whether the area has commercial zones, hotels, restaurants, or residential neighborhoods. In the city center, we can find examples of neighboring parishes with completely different human geographies and waste management issues.

In recent years, the rise of e-commerce has led to an exponential increase in cardboard and paper waste. The problem isn't due to a lack of funds, as there are resources from the tourist tax and around 50% of the water bill is fees charged by the Lisbon City Council.

### Proposed Solutions for Urban Hygiene

Although I am not an expert in waste management or the environment, I see a short-term solution to Lisbon's urban hygiene issues: **valorizing waste** by paying for paper, plastic, and metal, and establishing collection centers that compensate those who sell to them. 

In the medium term, we need to invest in awareness and information campaigns for new residents about waste collection rules in Lisbon. Long-term, we should impose fines for those who do not comply with domestic and commercial waste disposal regulations.

### Community Initiatives and Environmental Education

There are already projects in Lisbon, initiated by civil society under the scope of Environmental Education, but they haven't been adequately supported by local authorities, with few exceptions like “Trokaki,” “Circular Wear,” and “Let’s Swap,” which prevent thousands of objects from being discarded as trash, exemplifying the circular economy.

The resolution of the waste problem in Lisbon should be seen as an opportunity for debate about environmental education, changes in management policy, and waste valorization, combined with effective oversight processes. Adopting a holistic approach that encompasses these aspects could be key to a cleaner and more sustainable city, environmentally and energetically.

A resolução do problema dos resíduos em Lisboa deve ser olhada como uma oportunidade de debate sobre a educação ambiental, mudanças na política de gestão, e valorização  de resíduos.

Lisbon's Waste Management Crisis: A Call for Environmental Education and Policy Change

### Water Supply Issues at Linhó Prison Resolved

The **water supply** at the **Linhó Prison** in Cascais, which had been disrupted since Sunday, was successfully restored today, according to the **General Directorate of Reinsertion and Prison Services (DGRSP)**. The **supply was reinstated at 16:30** after addressing multiple breakdowns.

The main leak originated from an **improvised pipe** installed years ago, combining **iron and PVC**, which did not meet technical standards. Since Monday, the prison faced **water supply issues**, with partial restoration occurring on Wednesday. However, due to new failures in the piping, the water pressure could not be maintained consistently across the facility.

The DGRSP indicated that the series of pipe ruptures necessitated a **phased and sectional water supply** to inmates over several days, particularly affecting two areas of the prison. Nevertheless, they ensured that **alternatives were available** for drinking water, personal hygiene, and cleaning of common areas.

Despite the challenges, the DGRSP emphasized that normalcy in daily life at the prison was maintained. This was achieved through the provision of **bottled water** and access to taps in courtyards for sanitary use, alongside ongoing communication from the prison's management and guards regarding the situation and measures being taken.

On Monday, a **reduction in water pressure** indicated a potential rupture, prompting immediate investigation. Various ruptures were identified and repaired, but the issues persisted. The prison houses around **500 inmates** and has a staff of **116 prison guards**. Currently, there is a strike among the guards, lasting until January 10, due to security conditions, leading to minimal services being operational, including meal distribution, which remained unaffected by the water supply issues.

O abastecimento de água no Estabelecimento Prisional do Linhó, em Cascais, que estava condicionado desde domingo, foi restabelecido hoje depois de resolvidas as sucessivas ruturas, adiantou a Direção-Geral de Reinserção e Serviços Prisionais (DGRSP). 


Water Supply Restored at Linhó Prison After Repeated Breakdowns

More than **a hundred people** marched this Saturday along the **Benformoso street** in Martim Moniz, Lisbon, honoring the values of April while showing solidarity with the **immigrant population** living in the area.

The civic action was organized in response to a **police operation** that took place on Thursday in Martim Moniz, which has drawn condemnation from various **political parties** and **human rights organizations**. 

Participants distributed **colorful cravos**, symbolizing their message to democracy, and included representatives from the **PS**, **BE**, **PCP**, and **Livre** parties, who elaborated on the flowers' significance. 

Local residents and merchants welcomed the gesture, emphasizing the **kindness** and **hospitality** of the Portuguese people towards immigrants, particularly those from the **Asian subcontinent**. 

The police operation led to the **detention of two individuals** and the seizure of nearly **4,000 euros** in cash, along with sticks, documents, a knife, a mobile phone, and about a **hundred counterfeit items**. 

The police's actions, which involved **cornering dozens of individuals** against the wall with their hands raised for searches, were criticized following images shared on social media, sparking accusations of **abuse of power**.

A ação cívica foi organizada em reação à operação policial realizada na quinta-feira no Martim Moniz, condenada por vários partidos políticos e organizações de defesa dos direitos humanos.

Solidarity Blooms: Cravos Distributed in Lisbon to Support Immigrants Amid Controversial Police Operation

## Incident Overview
A police officer was injured early Saturday morning after being **struck by a vehicle** while conducting a routine inspection at a gas station in Lisbon's **Parque das Nações**. The officer required **hospital treatment** but is now reported to be **in good condition**.

## Details of the Incident
According to the **Public Security Police (PSP)**, the incident occurred around **2:15 AM** when officers approached a vehicle associated with a private company suspected of **breaching trust laws**. The driver, a **21-year-old**, attempted to flee the scene, dragging the officer with him, who was then thrown against another parked vehicle.

## Arrest and Evidence
The PSP managed to locate the suspect approximately **1.5 kilometers** from the scene. The driver attempted to escape on foot but was quickly apprehended. He is set to appear in court on **Monday**. During the investigation, officers discovered **87.7 grams of hashish** in the vehicle.

![Police Action](https://images.impresa.pt/sicnot/2024-09-16-agentes-psp-seguranca-e-prevencao-rodoviaria-estrada.jpeg-99397437/original)
*Image Source: PSP*

Incidente aconteceu no Parque das Nações, durante a madrugada. Agente teve de receber tratamento hospitalar, mas já se encontra bem

Police Officer Injured in Hit-and-Run Incident During Inspection in Lisbon

### André Pestana's Bold Presidential Announcement

André Pestana, **national coordinator** of the **Union for All Education Professionals (Stop)**, has officially announced his intention to run for **President of Portugal** in January 2026. His campaign, titled **"It's Time to Open Your Eyes"**, aims to represent the interests of workers and fight against the **precarity** and **destruction of public services**.

During his announcement, which took place in a **train carriage transformed into a bar** in Oeiras, Pestana emphasized his stance as an **independent candidate** who refuses to align with traditional **left or right labels**. He expressed a commitment to **combatting social inequality**, the ongoing issues in public education, and the **long waiting lists** in public services.

Pestana's campaign is reportedly in response to a **challenge from 50 social activists**, although he did not specify their identities. He envisions a presidency that listens to the **voices of the voiceless** and represents the **common good**.

He stated, **"I will try to be your voice, a reference for all Portuguese workers who strive for dignity. There is enough money in Portugal for everyone to live with dignity, have access to decent housing and work."** Pestana is also focused on **climate change** and **poverty alleviation** as part of his platform.

Despite his independent status, he mentioned receiving **individual support** from various activists within the Stop union, though he clarifies that there is no formal backing from any party or union.

In a pointed critique of potential rival candidates, including Admiral Gouveia e Melo, Pestana declared his candidacy as a **necessary alternative**, stating, **"The majority of the Portuguese population does not want our children to die for the interests of others."**

André Pestana, 47, is a professor with a doctorate in biology and hails from Coimbra. He previously led the **Movement for Socialist Alternatives (MAS)** and founded the **Stop union** in 2018. 

Presidential candidates must submit their applications to the **Constitutional Court** at least 30 days before the election, gathering support from **7,500 to 15,000 voters** for validation.

Sob o mote “é hora de abrir a pestana”, o coordenador do Sindicato para Todos os Profissionais da Educação avança com uma candidatura a Belém, recusando rótulos de esquerda ou direita.

André Pestana Launches Independent Presidential Bid: A Voice for Workers Against Precarity

### Overview of the Strike
Lisbon's urban sanitation workers are set to **strike on December 26 and 27** following a protest against the city council's handling of their working conditions. **Carlos Moedas**, the Mayor of Lisbon, has warned that the strike will lead to a **chaotic situation** in the city, as residents produce **900 tons of waste daily**.

### Reasons Behind the Strike
The strike is organized by the **Union of Municipality Workers of Lisbon (STML)**, who argue that they have repeatedly raised issues regarding their working conditions without receiving adequate responses from the city administration. Key demands include:
- **Implementation of a June 2023 agreement** that promised improved working conditions.
- Recognition of their profession as one with **rapid wear and tear**.
- Increase in the **hazard pay** for their work.

### Details of the Strike
- **December 25**: Strike during **overtime hours only**.
- In 2025, workers plan to strike overnight from January 1 to January 2.
- Union representative **Luís Dias** emphasized that the timing of the strike aims to draw attention to the workers' visibility and demands.

### Negotiation Efforts
The STML and the city administration have met for negotiations, but no agreement has been reached. Moedas expressed frustration, stating that he has made efforts to negotiate and improve conditions but accused the union of being uncooperative.

### Political Motivations?
The Mayor has suggested that the timing of the strike may have political motivations, hinting at potential connections to the upcoming **2025 municipal elections**. Union leaders countered that the issues at hand are longstanding and not recent fabrications.

### City’s Response
In response to the impending strike, Moedas announced plans for a **crisis management team** and additional waste containers to help manage the waste during the strike period. The city has also requisitioned minimum services to ensure that two-thirds of the sanitation workers will still be operational during the strike.

### Opposition Reaction
Opposition parties have criticized Moedas for poor management of urban sanitation, with various leaders calling for a more credible commitment to addressing the workers' grievances. They argue that the responsibility lies squarely with the Mayor to resolve these ongoing issues.

### Future Outlook
Union leaders have warned that if issues remain unresolved, more strikes are likely in **2025**.

Os funcionários responsáveis por recolher o lixo que os lisboetas produzem vão parar. Porquê, quanto tempo e como está a Câmara de Moedas a tentar reduzir o impacto? Sete perguntas e respostas.

Lisbon's Waste Collection Workers Strike: What You Need to Know About the Holiday Disruption

### Accusations Against Opposition
The **Lisbon Mayor**, Carlos Moedas, has described the criticisms regarding the **PSP operation** in the Martim Moniz area as "unjust". He accuses the opposition of attempting to **"partidarize"** the issue. Moedas emphasizes that **residents feel unsafe** and advocates for **increased policing** in the city.

### Perception of Insecurity
Speaking to journalists at a Community Vida e Paz event, Moedas noted that there is a growing **perception of insecurity** in Lisbon, which he attributes to rising **violence**. He stated that the public is calling for more police presence, a sentiment he fully supports: **"We need more police in Lisbon."**

### Criticism of the Current Government
Moedas dismissed the recent criticisms of the controversial operation, suggesting they are not serious. He pointed out that similar operations took place under previous socialist prime ministers without any backlash. He accused the opposition of being **"populist"** and politicizing the work of law enforcement.

### Decline in Police Numbers
Reflecting on security forces in the capital, Moedas highlighted a significant decrease in police numbers from **8,000 in 2010 to 6,700 today**. He criticized both the previous and current governments for inadequate police reinforcements, claiming the city needs **200 new municipal agents** rather than the mere **25** provided.

### Personal Connection to the Community
Moedas defended his role as mayor, stating he maintains a close connection with the community. He expressed frustration at being unfairly criticized for not distancing himself from the PSP operation. He shared personal anecdotes about his immigrant background, insisting that attempts to label him with left or right ideologies are unfounded.

Autarca Lisboa garantiu que lisboetas se sentem inseguros e rejeitou críticas por não se distanciar da operação no Martim Moniz: "Já fui imigrante, sou casado com uma imigrante, não cola". 

Non-Teaching Staff Strike Threatens School Closures in Portugal

Summary:

Non-Teaching Staff Strike Continues

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Police Officer Injured in Hit-and-Run Incident During Inspection in Lisbon

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