Total strike on Metro Sul do Tejo until October 28

Metro Transportes do Sul (MTS) will face significant disruptions until October 28 due to a strike called by the National Union of Train Drivers of Portuguese Railways (SMAQ). According to the union, the decision to strike follows two and a half years of unsuccessful negotiations, which justify the workers' stoppage.

MTS has reported that it is implementing minimum services during peak hours, particularly on Line 3, which connects Cacilhas to the University. However, SMAQ officials have stated that participation in the strike is total, encompassing all train drivers within the company.

The train drivers are demanding better working conditions and salaries, at a time when the company claims to have offered wage increases above inflation. MTS has also accused SMAQ of bad faith in ongoing negotiations, without providing further details about the offers made.

The strike is set to begin on Tuesday and will continue until Wednesday, with events that may impact the daily routine of users of Metro Sul do Tejo. The company has assured that the Cacilhas-University line will have minimum services between 7 AM and 9 AM.

SMAQ officials emphasized that the strike reflects the workers' dissatisfaction with the lack of progress in negotiations. The current situation appears to create a stalemate between both parties, with workers demanding a concrete response from MTS.

Information on the extension of the strike and MTS's response to the train drivers' demands will be monitored over the next few days as the situation develops. A solution that satisfies both parties has yet to be found.