Disruption Halts All Train Journeys Due to Strike Action
Rail services across Portugal have ceased operation nationwide due to a strike that began on May 1 and will continue until May 14. Notably, the coming days of May 11-14 are expected to experience a more considerable impact due to the increased number of participating unions.
José Manuel Oliveira, from FECTRANS, informed Lusa that there has been near-complete solidarity among workers since midnight. Oliveira explained that CP is operating with a reduced workforce amid ongoing negotiations between management and unions.
The strike, initiated by the Trade Union Association of Intermediate Railway Operations Managers (ASCEF), the Independent Trade Union Association of Commercial Career Railway Workers (ASSIFECO), FECTRANS, and other unions, will dramatically affect transportation on May 11-14.
Additionally, both today and on Thursday, the strike called by the Machinists' Union (SMAQ) and the one between May 7 and 14 by the Commercial Itinerant Review Railway Union (SFRCI) will add to the disruptions.
The arbitration court has made a decision that strikes do not require minimum services, yet essential safety and maintenance services must be ensured. This obligation includes emergency services, rescue trains, and completing the journeys for trains already in motion when the strike began.
Contacted by Lusa, a source from CP confirmed that no trains are currently running, a situation expected to be updated mid-morning. During the May 11-14 strike period, CP has been mandated to maintain 25% of its schedule due to the arbitration court's decision, though the company initially proposed setting minimum services at 30%.
The strike, involving the Trade Union Association of Intermediate Railway Operations Managers (ASCEF), the Independent Trade Union Association of Commercial Career Railway Workers (ASSIFECO), FECTRANS, and other unions, will significantly impact both finance and industry sectors due to disruptions in rail services across Portugal from May 11-14. The arbitration court's decision allows CP to maintain 25% of its schedule during this period, despite initially proposing minimum services at 30%, potentially causing delays and shortages in transportation services.
