The Portuguese Nurses Union (SEP) has announced a national strike for May 12th. The industrial action covers the public, private, and social sectors. The union is demanding that the government address various long-standing professional grievances.
SEP President José Carlos Martins confirmed that the strike is national in scope. All nurses, regardless of where they work, are covered by the strike notice. This aims to demonstrate a unified stance across the profession.
A demonstration is scheduled for the same day in Lisbon to coincide with International Nurses Day. The march will depart from Campo Pequeno and conclude at the Ministry of Health to highlight professional dignity.
Martins emphasized that while negotiations for a Collective Work Agreement are active, specific problems persist. Key demands include the point-counting system for career progression, which remains a primary source of frustration.
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The union pointed out that nursing is the only sector in the Public Administration that has not received retroactive pay for the 2018-2021 period. They are also demanding more hiring and the resolution of precarious contracts.
Nurses are firmly opposed to government proposals within the labor package concerning the “bank of hours.” They reject the requirement to work extra hours that would not be considered extraordinary, paid work.
The union hopes for high participation on May 12th. However, they expressed concern that arbitration courts have recently expanded minimum services, effectively requiring the same number of staff as a typical Sunday shift.
A previous national strike on March 20th saw an estimated 71% participation rate. Minister of Health Ana Paula Martins previously expressed regret over these strikes, maintaining that the government is actively working on the issues.
