Portugal’s main trade unions have officially called a national General Strike for Thursday, December 11, 2025. The strike will also affect Madeira, where regional unions have confirmed mobilisation.
People should prepare for disruptions across transport, public services and staffing availability, particularly in sectors dependent on air connectivity and public administration.
Below is anoverview of what is confirmed and what remains uncertain.
Summary
Date: Thursday, December 11, 2025
Scope: Nationwide – including Madeira
Primary Risk Areas: Aviation, staffing, logistics, public services, customer operations
Regional factor: Local unions in Madeira cite high living costs and wage pressure as key motivators
Will There be a Strike in Madeira?
Yes. The regional union União dos Sindicatos da Madeira (USAM) has publicly called for mobilisation on December 11. Also, the local branch of UGT Madeira supports the strike, opposing the proposed labour‑law reforms and urging workers across the region to join.
This new labor code is an affront to workers," said António Gouveia, member of the USAM leadership and of the General Confederation of the Portuguese Workers Intersindical (CGTP), considering that the country is "regressing in labor rights" and "heading towards tremendous slavery.
Why Are People Striking?
The strike challenges a proposed revision of the labour law by the national government. The two main trade union confederations - CGTP‑IN and UGT - argue the changes would undermine protections for employees: weakening dismissal safeguards, allowing more precarious contracts, flexibilizing hours at workers’ expense, and weakening collective bargaining.
In Madeira, unions say the grievances go beyond national labour law: workers face high living costs, housing pressure and insularity‑related economic challenges - which they argue make the reforms especially harmful.
Which Sectors are Likely to be Affected?
Many. The strike is called broadly, and several key sectors have already confirmed participation:
Aviation: cabin‑crew union (SNPVAC) voted to join the strike.
Public services, administration, education, health: unions representing teachers, nurses and other public‑sector workers have also declared support.
Commerce, services and others: many unions across commerce, services, offices and private sectors are aligned with the strike.
This means impacts could span from transport and flights to schools, clinics or public‑services.
What Could be Disrupted in Madeira?
Likely disruptions include:
Flights: Given SNPVAC’s participation, air travel may be severely affected: cancellations or major delays are expected.
Public services & administration: Offices may operate at reduced capacity or close for the day.
Education & health: Schools and non‑urgent medical services may be disrupted if staff join the strike.
Retail, commerce, deliveries: Staffing shortages may slow down shops; deliveries or supply chains could be delayed.
Daily mobility & commute: Public transport and services may be reduced or delayed, affecting workers and customers alike.
Are There any Guarantees of “Minimum Services”?
Yes - for certain strategic services. The government has stated it will work to “minimise the effects” of the strike in essential areas (airports, transport, public‑safety sectors)
For example, TAP Portugal has already announced it will operate only under “minimum‑service” conditions.
But “minimum services” does not guarantee normal functioning - delays and limited capacity are still likely.
What Should Residents and Travellers do Now?
Check flights and transport in advance - expect cancellations or reduced frequency.
Anticipate public‑service disruption - avoid scheduling non‑urgent appointments or official procedures on December 11.
Plan ahead for schooling, childcare or work - schools may close or operate with limited staff.
Allow extra time for deliveries or errands - logistics could be affected across retail, commerce and public services.
Expect possible demonstrations - a public rally is planned in Funchal by USAM near the Legislative Assembly. Central‑area access may be impacted.
A Protest Against Housing and Wage Pressure
For Madeira, the General Strike of December 11, 2025, is more than a national protest - it reflects local frustrations over insularity, cost of living, housing, and wage pressure. With major sectors committed to participating, residents, travellers and businesses should treat that date as unpredictable and plan accordingly.
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