Impact Level: Notification
Locations Affected: Portugal , Madeira, Calheta, Santa Cruz, Machico, Câmara de Lobos, Funchal, Portugal
Tracking Id: RINTP424267381
Description:
As per reports, the Teachers Union of Madeira (SPM) issued an official strike notice for Friday (12 December), covering all teachers across the Autonomous Region of Madeira for a full 24 hour period.
• The notice, signed by regional coordinator Francisco Oliveira, states that the strike is being called due to what the union describes as successive delays in resolving long standing concerns related to the career progression of teachers in the Region of Madeira.
• SPM intends for the strike to take the form of a complete stoppage of work across all educational establishments in Madeira, with no minimum service requirements being set for the day.
• If confirmed, the Friday (12 December) strike is scheduled to follow immediately after the general strike already announced for Thursday, (11 December), resulting in two consecutive days of labour action in the region.
Background:
SPM reportedly noted that despite assurances previously provided by the Regional Secretariat of Education and main political parties, the union has not received concrete details regarding the measures intended to address these issues, particularly ahead of the approval of the Regional Budget for 2026.
Impact:
• If demonstrations occur near regional government buildings in Funchal, temporary traffic restrictions or diversions may be introduced, affecting travel times for commuters and service vehicles.
• Increased police presence may be deployed near demonstration points or educational facilities to ensure public safety, creating controlled access zones and minor delays for pedestrians and vehicles.
• Traffic congestion may increase near public squares or administrative buildings if teacher groups hold gatherings or meetings, requiring residents and delivery services to account for additional travel time.
• Further demonstrations may occur after the scheduled strike if negotiations do not progress, which could lead to additional traffic disruptions, increased police presence and periodic operational uncertainty for residents and businesses across Madeira.
Recommendations:
It is advised to monitor official updates from the Regional Government of Madeira (https://www.madeira.gov.pt) regarding school operations and strike developments ahead of Friday (12 December) and plan schedules accordingly to reduce disruptions, and to follow the Madeira Teachers Union SPM website (https://www.spm.pt) for official information related to the strike.
Sources:
• http://www.dnoticias.pt/2025/12/3/472685-sindicato-dos-professores-da-madeira-emite-pre-aviso-de-greve-para-12-de-dezembro/
• https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/sindicato-dos-professores-convoca-greve-para-dia-12-de-dezembro-CP19251276
