Glossary

greve

Published 8 November 2026, 22:53
greve — strike

A coordinated stoppage of work. It is usually called by a union, and a decision alone is not enough: written notice (pré-aviso de greve) must be given to the employer and to the labour ministry. During the strike the worker's contract is suspended: they are not paid for those hours, but their length of service keeps counting, and they cannot be dismissed for taking part.

Where you come across it. A news item saying “doctors, trains, bin collectors are on strike”; a day when you have an appointment, a flight or a trip booked.
A strike that has been called has not happened yet: strikes are often called off after talks just days beforehand.