2 November public sector strike joined by 80% in health and 60% in education. Next: 20 and 30 November, 2 December
By 16:00 on 2 November, 80% of health workers and 60% of education workers had joined the one-day public sector strike. The figures were given to the Lusa news agency by Diogo Nina, vice-president of the STTS union (Observador, Notícias ao Minuto). Across the country, scheduled operations, hospital outpatient appointments and tests were cancelled. Minimum services in hospitals and health centres were maintained, as were chemotherapy, immunotherapy, haemodialysis and blood donations.
The STTS has announced two more strikes, on 30 November and 2 December. They are being called by the federation of independent public sector unions, to which the STTS belongs. In addition, Frente Comum, the largest union confederation, has called a national public sector strike for 20 November (our article).
If you have an operation, test or appointment at a public hospital on 20 or 30 November or 2 December, check the day before whether it is going ahead.
The STTS is demanding a tax-free meal card worth €10.20 a day for public sector workers (the meal allowance is currently €6.15). The union also wants a review of the performance assessment system for public sector workers, a risk allowance for auxiliary health staff and more hiring. The government has already signed an agreement with other unions: in 2027 public sector pay will rise by 2.3%, but by at least €60.52 a month, and the lowest rate of pay will go up from €934.99 to €995.51.
