Strike by rail workers persists across Portugal
CP Train Strike Cripples Portugal's Rail Services
Portugal's rail network has faced significant disruptions due to an ongoing strike by CP (Comboios de Portugal) train drivers and inspectors, along with several railway workers' unions. The most recent reports indicate a near-complete standstill in train circulation on several days in early May, with over 70% of trains cancelled and, at times, all services halted[1][2][5].
In a statement, CP revealed that on urban routes in Lisbon, 76 of the 111 scheduled trains were cancelled, and on routes in Porto, 31 of the 52 scheduled were cancelled. The regionals experienced 67 scheduled cancellations, with only 52 operated[1]. CP further reported that all long-distance trains (13) were carried out between 00:00 and 08:00[1].
Contacted by Lusa, Luís Bravo from SFRCI (Sindicato Ferroviário da Revisão Comercial Itinerante), who called for the partial strike, confirmed 100% participation, with the 25% minimum services being fulfilled[1]. This strike, in defense of salary increases and collective bargaining, has been ongoing since May 7 and will continue until Wednesday[1].
While train drivers and inspectors are on the penultimate day of their strike, the Commercial Itinerant Railway Review Union (SFRCI) began a strike of ticket inspectors and ticket office workers on Sunday. The Train Drivers' Union (SMAQ) has been on an overtime strike since Monday and will continue until Wednesday[1].
Over the past week, CP has warned about the disruptions caused by these strikes. On Monday, the circulation of 632 trains (59%) of the 1,071 scheduled until 7 pm was cancelled, primarily affecting urban trains in Lisbon[1].
The Arbitration Court explicitly decided not to set any minimum services for most of the strike period, meaning there were no guaranteed trains for the public, except for very limited exceptions such as safety and maintenance trains, emergency services, rescue trains, and trains already en route[5]. The strike has caused significant inconvenience for commuters and travelers, who were strongly advised to seek alternative travel arrangements[3][4].
The immediate future of the strike remains unclear, but the impact on train travel in both Lisbon and Porto has been substantial for several weeks[1][2]. International and domestic travelers are advised to keep abreast of the ongoing situation and consider alternate travel arrangements.
- Portugal's public transit system has not only been affected by the CP train strike, but the industry of transportation overall, as commuters struggle to find alternatives to rail services, particularly in Lisbon and Porto.
- Meanwhile, the ongoing strike in the finance sector, specifically among CP train drivers and inspectors, has put a strain on the Portuguese financial system, with potential losses from cancelled ticket sales and increased costs for maintaining alternative transportation options.
