Portugal: General strike causes disruption to services

Portugal has been hit by the second general strike in six months, with transport, schools and hospitals all impacted by the industrial action.

Unions called the 24-hour strike in protest at plans by the government to reform labor laws, saying they would deregulate working hours, make dismissals easier, curb strike rights and lower parental protections.

State-owned ⁠railway ​CP has suspended long-distance trains and most regional services amid the strike.

Across the country, schools have closed, while hospitals have postponed most surgeries and appointments after nurses walked out.

The aviation sector has also been impacted, with national flag carrier TAP saying it would operate just 79 of the more than 300 flights it makes daily.

Spanish airline Iberia says it expects reductions of between 50% and 75%.

A protest march is planned through Lisbon starting at 2.30 p.m. local time (1430 GMT).

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