The workers of Metro de Lisboa carried out a partial strike today, between 05:00 and 09:30, in protest against wage freezes.

Speaking to Lusa this morning, Anabela Carvalheira, from the Federation of Transport and Communications Unions (FECTRANS), said that the adhesion to the strike was high, with the stations closed.

“Until this time [06:45], the workers who should have entered the service have not entered. We have no train drivers, no central command post, which means all stations are closed. There are no trains circulating”, said Anabela Carvalheira.

At the origin of the strike are, according to Anabela Carvalheira, several issues that "go beyond the salary matter", underlining the importance of "immediate filling of the operational staff and career progression".

Anabela Carvalheira said that there is an increase in discontent and workers are demanding not only a salary increase, but also better living and working conditions, in order to promote the continuity of a good public transport service.

“We have approved this period of struggle by the workers, but that does not mean that we cannot resolve this issue, as long as there is the will of the Government and the Board of Directors. We are available to find solutions at any time”, she concluded.

The strike took place between 05:00 and 09:30, for most workers, and from 09:30 to 12:30 for the administrative and technical sector, according to the union.

Another day of partial strike is planned for November 2nd and a 24-hour strike on November 4th is also planned.

The Metropolitano de Lisboa operates with four lines: Yellow (Rato-Odivelas), Green (Telheiras-Cais do Sodré), Blue (Reboleira-Santa Apolónia) and Red (Airport-São Sebastião), from 06:30 to 01:00 every day.