Lisbon Metro strike with no minimum services

Six trade union organisations called the strike; it began at 5 am on 14 October and will end at 5 am on 15 October. The Arbitration Tribunal also ruled that no mandatory minimum services would be required.

Among the reasons for the strike was a meeting with the company’s management, during which the trade unions and employers could not resolve certain disagreements, notably over staff shortages, shift organisation, and the conditions under which managerial roles are carried out.

The Arbitration Tribunal decided on 10 October that minimum services were not required, and the decision was approved unanimously. Consequently, the company has no legal obligation to ensure a minimum number of trains during the 24-hour strike.

The law does not mandate a complete suspension of service, partly because not all workers are obliged to take part in the strike; however, the Arbitration Tribunal’s decision means significant disruption is likely.

Although there are no minimum requirements for train services, the Arbitration Tribunal is reported to have insisted that safety conditions and the maintenance of Lisbon Metro’s equipment must still be ensured.

Reasons for the strike

The trade unions accuse Metropolitano de Lisboa management of failing to resolve the issues that led to an agreement reached on 13 April, some six months ago.

The trade unions accuse Metropolitano de Lisboa management of failing to resolve the issues that led to an agreement on 13 April. The agreement reached at the time made it possible to call off a strike that had already been planned, as the management of Metro Lisboa was to increase staffing levels, launch new recruitment processes, provide training for supervisors and inspectors, and ensure that duty rosters were adhered to.

The strike on 14 October comes at a time when vacancies remain unfilled and delays persist in addressing the remaining agreed demands.

Management claims the strike is disproportionate

In an attempt to call off the strike, on 12 October, Metropolitano de Lisboa met with the trade unions. Management reportedly stated that the agreement reached in April is being implemented; however, the trade unions rejected this interpretation, pointing out that there are still unresolved issues.