In a note published on its website, the railway operator informed that “due to a strike called by the SFRCI union between October 24th and November 3rd, 2024”, the company anticipates disruptions in the operation.

Thus, on the 28th, 29th and 30th of October, when there will be a partial strike, CP predicts disturbances in Regional/InterRegional, Urban Coimbra and Urban Porto services.

On October 31st, when there will be a total shutdown for 24 hours, “severe disruptions are expected in all services (Alfa Pendular, Intercidades, Regional/InterRegional, Urbanos and Celta Internacional)”, including “some disruptions on the day following".

“On other days, occasional disruptions may occur”, particularly on Lisbon's Urban and Intercity services between the Algarve and Lisbon.

“If minimum services are defined, this information will be updated”, he indicated.

Contacted by Lusa, the union confirmed the strike, indicating that the strikes will be partial, lasting two hours at the beginning of each shift, and on October 31st the strike will last for 24 hours.

According to a source from the SFRCI, which represents CP box office workers and reviewers, these strikes are motivated by what it says is “non-compliance with the agreement” they signed in July last year with the operator.

The protest “has to do with remuneration”, and, according to the union, the agreement foresees passing on a “transportation voucher and availability bonus for the minimum wage”, something that would bring advantages to workers. The union wants a greater balance in relation to train drivers’ salaries.

“The agreement was signed in the past, it was validated by last year’s supervision, it is in this year’s State Budget”, he assured, indicating that the “company has the money, but does not implement the agreement”, scheduled from 01 December 2023.

“This is the first time that it has happened to us that agreements signed with administrations have not been fulfilled”, he criticised, lamenting that they had to return “to a labour conflict that was over”.

In the notice, the operator informs customers that 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”.

This process can be carried out on the carrier's website or at the ticket offices.