Portugal: 25,000 teachers take to the streets to demand respect and good working conditions
Around 25,000 teachers marched in Lisbon on 16 May in a major national demonstration organised by Education International member organisation FENPROF. Education professionals from across the country came together to deliver a powerful message: “We are teachers. We shape the future. We demand recognition NOW!”
The protest reflected growing dissatisfaction with the way in which the review of the Statute of the Teaching Profession is being conducted. According to FENPROF, while this process provides a crucial opportunity to enhance the status of the profession and address the worsening teacher shortage, the Government is failing to act.
Teachers denounced the lack of concrete measures from the Ministry of Education and the Government to address the serious problems affecting the profession. These include career devaluation, excessive workloads, job insecurity, difficulties in accessing retirement, and the absence of policies designed to encourage young people to join the profession.
Throughout the demonstration, teachers demanded policies that give the profession the recognition and respect it deserves, good working conditions, and a revision of the career structure that properly values educators and keeps professionals in schools. Teachers also reaffirmed their commitment to public education as a fundamental pillar of democracy, equal opportunities, and social cohesion.
Participants also pledged active support for the general strike scheduled for 3 June against the labour law reform that the Government continues to pursue despite strong opposition from workers.
The demonstration was a powerful display of unity and determination by Portuguese education professionals in defence of their rights and the future of public education.
