Around a hundred nurses gathered today in front of the Ministry of Health in Lisbon, demanding recognition of their careers and improved working and salary conditions.
Despite the rain, the protest, organized by the Portuguese Nurses Union (SEP), lasted nearly two hours, showcasing the nurses’ determination to advocate for their rights.
The president of the SEP, José Carlos Martins, highlighted the widespread discontent among nurses, stating, “Nurses are willing to continue fighting for fair and sensible solutions to the problems they face.” He noted that participation in the strike was significant, with previous days seeing attendance rates of 60% to 70%.
In addition to career recognition, the SEP is calling for a negotiation meeting with the government. Martins criticized a recent agreement reached between the Ministry of Health and a coalition of five unions, which does not include the SEP.
This agreement proposes a salary increase of approximately 20% by 2027, starting in November. However, Martins described it as a deal that “not even the best market vendor would make.” He emphasized that the Ministry owes nurses back pay from 2018 to 2022, which has not been settled, and is now using those funds to finance what he considers an insufficient salary increase.
