“It’s still too early for more concrete data, but at the moment we have 75% participation in education, with many schools closed, 90% of university and polytechnic canteens are closed, and in the health sector we don’t yet have figures, but it is also being affected,” Jaime Santos, president of the Independent Union of Workers of Public Organizations and Social Support (SITOPAS), told Lusa.

SITOPAS called for two days of strike action, on Thursday and today, against the proposals of the labour package presented by the government, which it considers a "disrespect to workers" and covers workers in the Central, Regional and Local Public Administration.

In statements to Lusa, Jaime Santos stated that the strike has no political motivations, that it is against the Government's proposals and demands better working conditions for all.

The president of SITOPAS also criticized the Prime Minister's statements about raising the national minimum wage to 1,600 euros, considering them a disrespect to workers.

"Regarding yesterday's [Thursday's] strike. Contrary to what the Government said, it had a large turnout. You only had to walk down the street to see that," he noted.

In addition to changes in labour law, workers are demanding hazard and unsanitary work pay for those in high-risk positions, a general pension fund for all, a meal allowance of nine euros, and improved pay for technical assistants and senior technicians.

They are also demanding the creation of a career path for educational support staff, the reinstatement of career paths and job descriptions in all public services, a reduction in the retirement age to 62 years with 36 years of contributions, and a reduction in ADSE (health insurance) to 1.5% and 12 months.

On Thursday, there was a general strike, the first called by the CGTP and UGT in 12 years, affecting sectors such as transportation, schools, hospitals, and health centres.

The CGTP claimed that three million workers joined the strike, and the UGT estimated an 80% participation rate.

The government, through the Minister of the Presidency, Leitão Amaro, considered the participation in the strike insignificant, and estimated the adherence rate to be between 0% and 10%.