Are you planning to travel by train? Attention, a strike starts today and will last until the end of the month.

The strike planned by the two Comboios de Portugal (CP) unions begins this Friday, from August 9 to 31. The strike, with particular emphasis on August 15, promises to cause a lot of trouble at a time when Portugal is receiving many tourists.

This Wednesday, CP warned of the possibility of “specific disturbances in circulation.”

“We inform you that in connection with the strike announced by the Sinfb trade unions [Sindicato Independente Nacional dos Ferroviários] and Stmefe [Sindicato dos Trabalhadores do Metro e Ferroviários]”Intermittent disruptions to service are expected between August 9 and August 31, 2024, and may be more pronounced on August 15,” the carrier said in a statement on its website.

Last month, CP reached an agreement with 11 unions to call off a planned strike at this time, but two union structures disagree with what was presented.

Speaking to Lusa, Sinfb’s Antonio Pereira said the agreement signed by the other unions was “practically [igual ao] “It was presented two days before,” he said, pointing out that if they had not agreed in advance, they were not going to do it on that day either.

“We are fighting for career growth. The company wants to give us more work for the same money, and we absolutely do not accept this,” he assured.

The strike will affect overtime work from August 9 to August 31, with the exception of August 15, which will last 24 hours and affect CP workshops, he explained. According to the union leader, the strike will “put the operation of trains at risk, as maintenance will no longer be carried out.”

A strike by KP workers in late July was suspended after an agreement in principle was reached on wage increases and career regulation, a union source said.

“Under the terms of the agreement, from August 1, 2024, all salary indicators are updated by an additional 1.5%, and the cost of food increases to 9.20 euros,” said a statement published by the Federation of Transport and Communications Unions (Fectrans), July 23.

In turn, CP reported in a note that after a meeting with representatives of several trade unions (ASCEF, ASSIFECO, FENTCOP, SINAFE, SINDEFER, SINFA, SINTTI, SIOFA, SNAQ, SNTSF and STF), an agreement was reached.

The operator has also already signed an agreement with the National Union of Portuguese Railway Drivers (SMAQ) and the Railway Union of Mobile Commercial Activities (SFRCI).