A strike in Portugal will interrupt rail services. The national railway operator CP (Comboios de Portugal) has announced that many of its trains will be affected by a strike from October 24 to November 3 2024. The strike was called by the Itinerant Commercial Review Railway Union (SFRCI) which represents CP’s ticket office staff and train inspectors.
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Reasons Behind Rail Strike In Portugal
The strike is set to cause disruptions in both local and long distance train services. October 31 will be the most affected day with a full 24 hour strike planned. The members of union are protesting because they say CP has not kept promises made in an agreement from last year about pay and working conditions. Passengers traveling during this time will need to prepare for delays, cancellations, and reduced services.
The SFRCI union has said that the strike is happening because of an agreement signed in July 2023 between CP and the union. This agreement promised wage increases and additional benefits. This also include a transportation allowance and a bonus for workers who are available on short notice.
The union feels that CP has not delivered on this agreement even though it was included in the national budget for 2024.
The union believes that CP already has the money set aside for these wage increases. But has not yet given it to the workers. They have stated that their goal is to make sure that ticket inspectors and box office staff receive fair wages. These workers argue that their pay is much lower compared to that of train drivers and other CP employees and they want this imbalance corrected.
Union representative said:
The agreement was signed in the past, it was validated by last year’s supervision, it is in this year’s State Budget. Company has the money, but does not implement the agreement. This is the first time that it has happened to us that agreements signed with administrations have not been fulfilled.
Which Train Services Will Be Affected
The strike will affect different services on different days. Partially strikes are scheduled on October 28, 29, and 30 and workers will strike for two hours at the beginning of each shift. This will lead to disruptions in regional and interregional services. Urban trains in Porto and Coimbra will also be affected. These strikes will be short but they will still cause delays for many passengers.
24 hour strike is planned on October 31 so there will be largest disturbance. This strike will affect all CP services. This includes high speed Alfa Pendular trains, Intercidades trains, regional and interregional routes, and even international trains such as the Celta line to Spain. There will also be some issues with services on November 1. As the train system recovers from the full day strike.
CP has warned passengers that there will be a lot of delays and cancellations. They have also said that they will provide updates if the government requires a minimum level of service. Passengers are encouraged to stay informed and make alternate plans if possible.
Train Strike Impact On Passengers
Passengers who have already bought tickets for trains on the strike days have two main options. CP has announced that passengers can either get a full refund or exchange their ticket for another train of the same category and class. This applies to all services including Alfa Pendular, Intercidades, international, regional, and interregional trains. Passengers can request refunds or exchanges online or at station ticket offices.
In Porto and Lisbon, the urban train networks are heavily relied upon by people who travel to and from work. Travelers to and from the Algarve and those planning international trips will experience delayed or canceled trains.
One of the main reasons for the strike is wage inequality between CP employees. The SFRCI union represents ticket inspectors and box office staff who argue that their pay is significantly lower than that of train drivers and other workers.
In July 2023, CP agreed to address this issue by providing a transportation allowance and a bonus for workers who are available to cover shifts on short notice. However, these promises have yet to be fulfilled.
At the same time, CP is facing financial difficulties. This may be contributing to the delay in implementing the pay increases. Workers feel that this is not an excuse because funds have already been allocated.
Options For Passengers With Pre-purchased Tickets
Operator informed:
If they already have tickets purchased to travel on trains on Alfa Pendular, Intercidades, Internacional, InterRegional and Regional services. They will be allowed a refund, for the total value of the ticket purchased, or a free exchange to another train of the same category and in the same class
Passengers planning to travel during the strike period should monitor the situation closely. CP may release more updates, especially if the government orders minimum services to be provided. Travelers are suggested to prepare in advance, allow more time for their travels, and to find other modes of transportation if required.
