Protests Erupt in Portugal Demanding Better Wages and Social Services
In a significant display of solidarity, thousands of individuals gathered in two major cities in Portugal to voice their demands for increased wages, improved pensions, and better social services, including housing and healthcare. The protests were organized by the General Confederation of the Portuguese Workers (CGTP), which is the largest federation of trade unions in the country. Marches took place in both Porto and the capital city, Lisbon.
According to Tiago Oliveira, the CGTP’s Secretary General, these protests targeted both the public and private sectors, culminating a month of activism under the compelling theme, ‘Increase Salaries and Pensions, Solve the Country’s Problems’. Oliveira emphasized that the everyday challenges faced by workers are a direct result of political decisions, pointing to the pressing issues of unaffordable housing and restricted access to healthcare as critical areas of concern.
Oliveira also criticized a recent agreement made by the government with the General Union of Workers (UGT) and four employer confederations, which aims to raise the monthly minimum wage to €870 by 2025. Notably, CGTP members were excluded from these discussions. One protester in Lisbon articulated the sentiment of many, stating, “There is money in the country. The problem is the distribution of wealth, and we need to continue advocating for a larger share to go to the workers who generate it every day.”
Another protester in Porto expressed frustration over the gap between education and employment opportunities, saying, “I have a university degree and expected better job conditions and opportunities. Unfortunately, that’s not the reality, and I’ll continue to fight for something better.”
Portugal ranks as one of the poorest nations in Western Europe, with official statistics indicating that over half of the workforce earns less than €1,000 per month. Currently, the national minimum wage stands at €820 a month.
The government has proposed an incremental increase in the minimum wage, suggesting a €50 annual rise until 2028, which would elevate the national minimum wage to €1,020 by then. However, even with this increase, Portugal’s minimum wage remains significantly lower than that of its European Union counterparts.
Comparing Portugal’s Minimum Wage with the EU
In terms of minimum wage rankings, Portugal sits in the twelfth position among the 22 EU member states that have established a minimum wage. The current leader in this ranking is Luxembourg, where the minimum wage is a substantial €2,204 per month. Other countries with higher minimum wages include:
- Ireland: €1,840 per month
- The Netherlands: €1,829 per month
- Belgium: €1,774 per month
- Germany: €1,761 per month
- France: €1,550 per month
This stark contrast highlights the ongoing challenges faced by workers in Portugal and underscores the urgency for reforms in wage distribution and social services.
