Tens of thousands have taken to the streets of Portugal's capital, Lisbon, to protest against proposed labour laws which they say threaten workers' rights. The centre-right government wants to make it easier for employers to fire people, outsource work to other companies, and limit some types of compassionate leave, including cutting bereavement leave for women who suffer miscarriages. The government argues that the measures are needed to improve job flexibility and increase productivity in one of western Europe's poorest countries.

The head of Portugal's largest union, CGTP, called the reforms one of the greatest attacks ever made against workers in the country and announced a general strike for 11 December. The bill is likely to pass in parliament with support from far-right party Chega. Reports estimate that around 100,000 protesters filled Lisbon's main avenue. No police estimate was available.

Speaking at the protest, Miriam Alves, a 31-year-old worker at a medical device company, stated that the reforms are clearly a step backward in working conditions and could lead to a complete lack of job security. Archive technician Madalena Pena expressed that the government was reversing labour rights in an unfair, subtle, and cunning way.

CGTP general secretary Tiago Oliveira announced the strike for next month at the protest, warning that if implemented, the proposed changes would significantly affect the lives of workers. The protesters also advocated for higher wages, highlighting that over 50% of workers earned less than 1,000 euros (£879) per month last year, with the minimum wage set at only 870 euros (£764).}