In a statement, the STML says it issued a 24-hour strike notice covering all workers of the city council, parish councils and municipal companies in Lisbon.

"Thus, the participation in the General Strike called by the CGTP-IN against the labour package and the Government's policy that impoverishes workers (...) and which represents a very serious setback in their rights, guarantees and living conditions was formalised," the statement reads.

The STML (Lisbon Municipal Workers' Union) explains that, in addition to endorsing the general objectives of the general strike, it includes specific demands from Lisbon municipal workers present in the Common Demands Proposal (PRC) for 2026 submitted to the Government by the Common Front of Public Administration Unions.

Among the demands are a 15% salary increase, with a minimum of €150 per worker, the enhancement of career paths and professions, and the identification and regulation of physically demanding professions.

The STML also advocates for updating the meal allowance to €12 and all supplementary payments, including those for hazardous and arduous work, the full reinstatement of the right to compensation for work-related accidents or occupational diseases, as well as the defence of collective bargaining, particularly existing company agreements in municipal companies.

The union also emphasises the need for reinforcement and investment in public services, including hiring more workers, improving the conditions of facilities, and acquiring the essential material and mechanical resources for daily work.

“The general strike is the highest and broadest struggle involving all workers, whose strength will be decisive in defeating the labour package and guaranteeing respect for their rights, the increase of their wages and pensions, inseparable from the quality and improvement of public services to which the population is entitled,” the statement concludes.

The CGTP-IN and UGT announced a general strike for December 11 against the Government's proposal, in what will be the first joint strike since June 2013, when Portugal was under the intervention of the 'troika'.