Labour market reform in Portugal: at what cost?
Portugal's conservative government wants to reform the country's labour law: amendments that restrict strike rights and parental rights at work will make firing employees and outsourcing easier for employers. The aim is to create a more flexible, less bureaucratic labour market from which above all employers will benefit. The national press weighs in.
The right to strike is crucial to democracy
Even though they may be annoying, strikes are an important instrument of democratic participation, Público writes:
“At first glance it seems only reasonable to try to cushion the impact of a strike on other people. After all, who doesn't feel the effects of a strike by public transport workers or National Health Service employees? ... In a democracy, strikes are a legal and regulated mechanism and a weapon for workers to exert pressure in their struggle and in negotiations. They are therefore also a means to promote democratic social dialogue. Will this effect be maintained if these amendments are adopted and strikes become ineffective?”
A revolution from the right
Portugal's political realities allow for a liberalisation of the labour market, Correio da Manhã writes:
“The government's bill on labour law reform is revolutionary. ... An attempt is being made to make legislation more flexible vis-à-vis employers' interests, and this will result in an objective loss of rights currently enjoyed by workers. ... The country has changed significantly. Trade unions have lost clout. With the exception of the public sector and transport they no longer have much power to make demands. And in parliament, right-wing parties hold more than two-thirds of the seats - giving them a majority that can change the constitution.”