Lisbon Metro stations temporarily halt operations due to Metro workers' labor action
The Lisbon Metro will experience partial strikes on Tuesday and possibly Thursday, as workers of the Metro company and union groups, including the Federation of Transport and Communications Unions (FECTRANS) and the Metro de Lisboa workers' union, continue their standoff over demands for increased meal, vacation, and Christmas subsidies, as well as changes in maximum weekly working hours.
The dispute began in early September 2025, following an inconclusive meeting held on Monday afternoon between the Metro company and the unions. After reviewing the company's proposals, the workers reconvened at 23:30 and voted down the company's proposal, deciding to maintain the partial strikes.
Negotiations between the two parties ended without agreement, and the arbitral tribunal did not decree minimum services for these partial strikes. As a result, the service will only open from 10:30.
The Metro company remains fully available for dialogue "with the aim of reaching a balanced and sustainable understanding." The company reiterated its previously presented proposal during a meeting with the unions on Monday afternoon.
The Metro operates daily with four lines: Yellow (Rato-Odivelas), Green (Telheiras-Cais do Sodré), Blue (Reboleira-Santa Apolónia), and Red (Aeroporto-São Sebastião). Operation workers will have disruptions from 05:00 to 10:00, workshop workers from 07:00 to 12:00, fixed and administrative sector workers from 07:30 to 12:30, and night and line workers from 02:00 to 00:00.
The Metro usually functions between 06:30 and 01:00. Sara Gligó of the Federation of Transport and Communications Unions (FECTRANS) indicated that the partial strike on this Tuesday will proceed, and the realization of the strike scheduled for Thursday remains open.
Two negotiating proposals were presented, based on previously agreed principles in the 2023 Company Agreement. The proposals aimed to address the demands presented with balance, responsibility, and respect for the sustainability limits of the company and corresponding to the unions' claim book. However, the unions understood that the strike should be maintained, according to the company.
As the negotiations continue, the Metro company urges all parties to work towards a resolution that benefits both the workers and the service, ensuring the smooth operation of the Lisbon Metro for the citizens of the city.
