Portugal is bracing for a nationwide general strike on 3 June, with unions in aviation and rail warning of significant disruption to flights and train services.
Why is a general strike planned in Portugal
The general strike has been called by CGTP, Portugal’s main confederation of trade unions, in opposition to the government’s proposed labour reforms.
Unions say the package would make it easier for companies to dismiss employees and would loosen limits on outsourcing, including to non‑union workers and staff based outside Portugal. Organised labour groups describe the plan as a serious rollback of long‑standing job protections and an assault on workers’ established rights.
Several other unions in health, education, public transport and intercity rail have already signalled that they will support the strike, highlighting its cross‑sector character.
How the 3rd June general strike could affect flights
The aviation sector is expected to be at the centre of disruption. Members of SNPVAC, the National Union of Civil Aviation Flight Personnel representing cabin crew, have voted to join the 3 June general strike, with an internal ballot showing strong support for participation.
According to the newspaper Jornal de Negócios, SNPVAC president Ricardo Penarróias has warned that the walkout could affect around 500 flights on the day of the strike, mainly at Portugal’s busiest airports.
Services operated by TAP Air Portugal are expected to be hardest hit, alongside flights run by carriers with large Portuguese bases, including easyJet. The union has also suggested that some Ryanair services could be affected, although airlines are reacting differently:
TAP Air Portugal is allowing passengers with tickets issued by 20 May for flights on 3 June to move travel dates without additional charges.
Customers can bring flights forward to 27 May–2 June or postpone them to 4–11 June through TAP’s website or via travel agencies.
- easyJet says it expects some disruption to its programme from Portuguese bases in Lisbon, Porto and Faro, where it employs roughly 800 cabin crew, and has pledged to contact affected customers directly with available options.
- Ryanair has stated that it does not expect any disruption and plans to operate as normal on 3 June.
A union representing pilots has decided not to join the strike, which may limit the overall scale of cancellations compared with a full shutdown of aviation operations, but delays and schedule changes remain likely around the country.
Public transport and train disruption on 3 June
On the rail network, the strike is expected to be particularly visible on state rail operator CP – Comboios de Portugal, where unions representing on‑board and commercial staff have announced that they will join the 3 June action.
Transport union FECTRANS has also signed up to the general strike, meaning disruption is likely across key urban and commuter systems, including:
- Lisbon Metro
- Porto Metro
- Fertagus commuter rail across the Tagus
- Other regional and urban bus and rail services
Intercity rail connections and suburban services in major metropolitan areas may face reduced frequencies, cancellations and longer journey times throughout the day, with knock‑on effects during peak commuting hours.
What the 3 June general strike means for residents and travellers
For foreign residents, commuters and visitors, the most immediate consequence of Portugal’s general strike on 3 June will be disruption to flights, metro services and national rail.
Travellers with tickets on or around that date are being urged by airlines and transport operators to monitor their bookings closely and check for rebooking options if services are changed or cancelled.
Beyond the one‑day stoppage, the way the government manages the labour reform debate after 3 June – and any further negotiations with CGTP and sector unions – will shape the outlook for industrial relations in Portugal in the coming months.
If no compromise is reached, unions have signalled that additional strikes across aviation, public services and public transport remain on the table.
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