Healthcare workers in Portugal are on strike today: Risk of disruption in examination and treatment services

Higher-educated health technicians working in the field of diagnosis and treatment in Portugal are going on a national strike on Friday, October 9, due to wage regulations and career rights.

The strike is organized by Sindicato Nacional dos Técnicos Superiores de Diagnóstico e Terapêutica (STSS).

The union argues that the current salary table creates inequality among employees and does not provide sufficient guarantees of the protection of previous professional rights.

The reason for the strike is not just the salary increase

STSS's objections focus on the way healthcare technicians are transitioning to the new wage structure.

According to the union, failure to protect the career points of some employees resulting from their past services may lead to wage and level differences between people working in the same profession.

For this reason, the union demands not only an increase in salaries but also a change in the rules of transition to the new wage system.

Which healthcare workers are participating in the strike?

The strike call is directed to the professional group técnicos superiores de diagnóstico e terapêutica.

This group includes specialist healthcare personnel working in various diagnostic and treatment activities in the healthcare system.

Therefore, the strike should not be considered as a joint strike of all doctors, nurses or SNS employees.

However, the services provided by these employees are linked to the daily activities of many hospitals and health centers.

Hospital appointments may be affected

strike It is possible that some examinations, treatment procedures or related health services may be disrupted due to this.

However, as of the morning of October 9, there is no confirmed information that all hospitals across the country have stopped their operations.

The actual impact may vary depending on the strike participation rate and staffing status of each healthcare facility.

Therefore, it is important for patients who have an appointment today to check the notifications from their healthcare provider.

Protests are planned in Lisbon

Along with the strike, STSS is planning to hold protest events around the Ministry of Health and the Prime Ministry.

The union demands the government to re-evaluate the wage scale and protect employees' career rights.

It was previously announced that if the talks did not yield results, new actions could be taken in November.

The right to strike and patients' access to healthcare

Strike is a constitutional right in Portugal.

However, minimum service obligations that can be applied during a strike in basic public services such as health are of particular importance.

Therefore, a strike in a health institution does not mean that all emergency health services are stopped.

Patients need to learn directly from the relevant institution whether their planned examinations or treatments are affected.

Has the strike participation rate been announced?

Confirmed national attendance for this strike as of the morning of October 9th There is no rate.

Participation rates of previous health strikes that took place on other dates should not be used as the result of today's strike.

Official statements and union data during the day should also be compared as they may be based on different participation measures.

Resources

Renascença / Lusa — Técnicos superiores de diagnóstico e terapêutica marcam strike para 9 de outubro, 18 September 2026

rr.pt