I got caught up in a train strike recently, which affected a journey from the Algarve to Lisbon and back. Much aggrieved, I didn’t make it to the ‘back’ stage, as due to the ‘domino effect’ (not entirely the transport problem), we missed the last train home and were left stranded. Nice, you might think, an evening in Lisbon away from home, a chance to see the sights, etc., but exhausted, all we wanted to do was to get back home.


I understand the need for strikes

Who doesn’t want equal pay, better working conditions, better job benefits, etc.? We work because we have to, and I have full support for those who strike for a realistic cause. I have never had the need to strike - except to throw the dish towel down from time to time to demand a meal out for a change.

The benefits of striking are undoubtedly weighed up against the drawbacks of potential lost wages and job risk before going on strike, and many strikes are about better pay and working conditions. It seems that without the threat of strike action, employers might make bigger profits while working conditions might get worse, and striking is part of the bargaining tool.

Over time, the power of the strike has remained the same. It has altered economies, changed the work-day length, saved lives – and in some cases, cost lives - so pros and cons are to be had.


Ancient Strike

Sailors in 1768 first introduced the word ‘strike’ into the English language, where supporting demonstrations in London, they crippled their ships by ‘striking’ down the topgallant sails of merchant ships at port. But earlier news of strike action was back in 1152 BCE in Egypt under Pharaoh Ramses III, where craftsmen of the necropolis at Deir el-Medina apparently downed tools and walked off the job because they hadn’t been paid.

The biggest strikes in British history

The Matchgirls’ Strike in 1888 was one of the first in the UK, where working conditions and the risk of developing ‘phossy jaw’ – necrosis of the jaw bone caused by fumes from the white phosphorus in the making of matches – meant the mainly women workers had a tough life. One worker was dismissed for walking out from the Bryant & May match factory, and some 1,400 workers followed suit. The worker was eventually reinstated, and their action secured several labour rights for themselves and inspired workers in other industries to unionise and demand changes. So, it was worthwhile.

The General Strike in l926 saw millions of workers on strike and is often called the biggest strike in British history. It was called by the TUC (Trades Union Congress), in an attempt to prevent wage and condition reductions for miners. Up to 1.7 million coal miners and sympathisers went on strike, but it was called off after nine days when the TUC backed down. The miners had to accept the new working terms, but a lot remained unemployed for many years, and those still employed were forced to accept longer hours, lower wages, and district wage agreements. The strike ended in defeat and division but drew working people together in strength and solidarity.


Portuguese Strikes

Portugal isn’t immune from strikes and has seen many over the years. In 1934 they had their own general strike that affected the whole country.

Portugal has a fundamental constitutional right to strike according to the Portuguese Labour Code. As I understand it, the rules of the ‘Lei da Greve’ are applicable to all Portuguese workers except military or para-military personnel, civilians in military establishments and in the civil service, and if a strike is declared in certain sectors, the organisers are obliged by law to provide a minimum level of service, but the rules are complicated and should be checked before taking action!

Personally, I think that sometimes you have to put your own personal wants to one side and go with the flow to achieve what is right for everyone.

I will bear that in mind when I next miss a train.

Author

Marilyn writes regularly for The Portugal News, and has lived in the Algarve for some years. A dog-lover, she has lived in Ireland, UK, Bermuda and the Isle of Man. 

Marilyn Sheridan