Conselho Económico e Social
Published 8 November 2026, 22:53
Conselho Económico e Social (CES) — Economic and Social Council
A constitutional body where the government, unions and employers' associations meet. Besides advising on the economy, it has a very practical role: it convenes the arbitration that sets minimum services during a strike at a state-owned enterprise when the union and the employer have not reached agreement. The arbitration decisions are published on its website.
Where you come across it. A strike at a hospital, on the railways or at a port: checking what will still be running on the day.
The decision must be announced no later than 48 hours before the strike starts, so there is no point looking for the list of minimum services more than two days in advance.
Official website: ces.pt/arbitragem/descisoes/servicos-minimos