Disruption: By 22:00, 55% of scheduled trains halted due to strike action
In the heart of Portugal, major rail disruptions are rocking cities like Lisbon and Porto—all thanks to a labor dispute between Comboios de Portugal (CP) employees and the company. The unions, primarily SMAQ and SFRCI, are demanding better pay conditions[1].
The heart of the issue lies in wage disagreements. Initially, there was an agreement for a 4% wage increase coupled with additional benefits. However, these enhancements remain unapproved by the government, leaving workers frustrated and seeking change[1]. The stagnation in negotiations has forced the unions to take a stand[1].
The impact? Significant train cancellations and delays are becoming the norm across the national rail network[1][2]. Urban and regional train services have been hit particularly hard[1]. For instance, in Lisbon, an astonishing 42.4% of scheduled urban connections and 65.3% of long-distance service trains have been cancelled[1]. Similarly, in Porto, 61.8% of urban services and 72.1% of regional trains have been axed[1].
The partial strikes, which began on a certain morning, have seen a 100% adherence rate among inspectors and ticket sellers of CP[1]. Luís Bravo, from SFRCI, explains that the strike is targeted to enhance salary conditions for all employees[1]. The action is set to continue until Tuesday, with potential spillover effects on Wednesday, the 14th[1].
According to Luís Bravo, the ongoing strike symbolizes the workers' dissatisfaction rooted in stagnant wages since 2010[1]. Previously, between Wednesday and Friday, various unions were on strike, causing a complete halt in circulation[1].
The workers have made it clear: they want the implementation of the agreement reached on April 24 between CP's administration and the unions[1]. They believe that the government cannot cherry-pick the merits of the negotiation while shirking its responsibilities in implementation[1].
Passengers are not left unaffected, facing numerous delays and cancellations. As a gesture of goodwill, refunds or exchanges have been offered for affected tickets[1]. Remember, this is just a snapshot—for the full story, check out "Partial strike at CP led to the cancellation of 314 trains by 10:00".
[1] - Com гЂo de Portugal strikes (Lusa)[2] - Strikes at Com гЂo de Portugal lead to traffic chaos and disruptions[3] - Labor Dispute Persists: Com gЂo de Portugal Employees Strike Over Unresolved Wage Demands[5] - CP Strike Leads to Suspension of some Services on some Days (DNP reader's letter)
The inadequate resolution of wage issues within the industry of transportation, such as Comboios de Portugal, is causing disruptions in the national rail network, particularly affecting urban and regional services in Lisbon and Porto. The ongoing strikes, aimed at enhancing salary conditions for all CP employees, have resulted in significant train cancellations and delays.
