Non-Teaching Staff Strike May Cause School and Nursery Closures

Non-docent school workers across Portugal are staging a nationwide strike today, with participation estimated at around 50% in key regions including Lisbon, Porto, and Aveiro, according to the National Federation of Independent Trade Unions in the Public Administration (FESINAP). The walkout, which began at midnight and runs through 24:00, follows months of negotiations over proposed labor reforms under the “Trabalho XXI” bill, approved by the Council of Ministers on May 14. The strike is expected to disrupt services in public schools, kindergartens, and social solidarity institutions nationwide. ### Strike Impact and Key Demands The FESINAP, representing non-teaching staff in education, social services, and healthcare sectors, declared the strike after accusing the Ministry of Education of “intransigence” toward their core demands. These include the integration of non-docent workers into a remuneration framework that accounts for their specific roles and working conditions. The union warned that further sectoral strikes could be called depending on participation levels today. “Still early to confirm exact numbers, but indications suggest around 50% adherence, particularly in Lisbon, Porto, and Aveiro,” stated Mário Rui Cunha, a FESINAP director, in comments to Agência Lusa. He emphasized that the proposed changes to the “Trabalho XXI” law—approved without consultation—are “grave” and threaten workers’ rights across public-sector entities. ### Broader Context: Labor Unrest in Public Sector The strike comes amid a wave of industrial action in Portugal’s public sector. Earlier this year, the FESINAP announced a general strike for December 11 in solidarity with other unions facing similar threats to labor rights. The current walkout is the latest in a series of protests targeting education and social services, sectors where non-teaching staff—including administrative workers, technicians, and support personnel—have long advocated for fair wages and recognition. ### What Comes Next? The FESINAP has not yet specified a timeline for further action, but Cunha indicated that new strikes could be organized in institutions like public solidarity centers (IPSS) and other educational facilities if today’s participation remains high. The union is also monitoring the government’s response to their demands, particularly regarding the implementation of the “Trabalho XXI” reforms. For parents and students, the strike means potential disruptions to school operations, including canceled classes, administrative closures, and limited access to support services. Authorities have not issued formal statements on contingency plans, though local school boards may provide updates as the day progresses. ### Background: The “Trabalho XXI” Controversy The proposed “Trabalho XXI” law, approved by the Council of Ministers on May 14, has been widely criticized by unions as undermining collective bargaining rights and job security. The FESINAP and other labor groups argue that the reforms fail to address the specific needs of non-docent workers, who perform critical but often underpaid roles in education and social services. —