Lisbon (EFE).- Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro stated on Wednesday that the government respects the right to strike, yet warned that the protest to demand the withdrawal of the proposed labor reform ended up affecting many people, especially those in sectors such as education, healthcare, and transportation.
«We would never question the right to strike. It would never occur to us to question the exercise of that right,» said the head of government.
Montenegro made these remarks during a press conference to announce Portugal’s election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, whose Secretary-General is the Portuguese António Guterres.
«We must balance the rights of everyone: the right of the Portuguese people to strike and send a political message on certain issues and the right of those who are not striking and want to work,» he stated.
The strike, organized by the General Confederation of Portuguese Workers-National Inter-Union (CGTP-IN), was the second of that scale in six months, after a day of protests on Dec. 11 against the government’s proposal.
It was the first general strike in Portugal in 12 years, supported by the General Union of Workers (UGT), the country’s other major union. However, the UGT did not participate on Wednesday because they disagreed with the timing of the mobilization.
Despite the call for a strike, the prime minister maintained that most Portuguese people worked as usual on Wednesday, both in-site and remotely, and confirmed that the private sector did not suffer significant disruption.
«The vast majority of Portuguese people are employed. We are working. Most are at their posts, some working remotely. In general, this is also the case in the private sector,” Montenegro said.
According to the PM, information from the private sector indicates low levels of participation or impact on economic activity.
«There was no major disruption. All the information gathered by various entities, business confederations, and companies themselves showed figures that I would describe as very low,» he stated.
Regarding public administration, he noted that participation was around 23%, and clarified that the closure or interruption of some services was not necessarily due to the participation of their workers, but rather the inability to keep certain functions or facilities open.
Montenegro claimed that the government is listening to the concerns expressed that day but considered the strike to have had negative consequences for many citizens.
«The government hears everything that is said, as well as all expressions of opposition and opinion, wherever they come from,» he stated.
«But many people and families were indirectly affected because of the strike,» Montenegro added.
He mentioned among those affected children who could not attend school, young people who could not take tests or exams, patients with scheduled appointments or surgeries, and workers who could not get to their jobs due to transportation blockades.
The head of government asked the labor unions for an analysis of Wednesday’s protest, including its purpose, consequences, and results.
«I believe the country must reflect on it. With all due respect, the labor unions must do so as well: What was the purpose? What were the consequences? What was the result?» Montenegro said.
The Portuguese PM linked the political and social context to the need to strengthen the Portuguese economy, attract investment, revitalize businesses, and improve productivity and wages.
He emphasized the importance of projecting an image of stability and international credibility at a time when the country is seeking to strengthen its presence in various forums. EFE
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