Portugal's INEM strike dates remain scheduled after talks
Emergency technicians are still due to strike on 14 and 28 September, although the union says positions moved closer and a government counterproposal is expected.
Archived after its publication day. Search retains this original briefing for background and accountability.
Archived 31 August 2026The dates should stay in people's planning calendars, but the dispute may still change before either strike and emergency instructions remain the same today.
- The planned strike dates are 14 and 28 September 2026.
- No agreement was reached at the 26 August meeting between the union, INEM and the Health Ministry.
- The union expects a counterproposal and says it may call off the action if an acceptable agreement is reached.
- Call 112 for a serious or life-threatening emergency; do not delay because of a labour-dispute headline.
What changed after the meeting
The talks ended without a final agreement, so the two strike dates remain in place for now. The technicians' union said the parties had moved closer and that it would assess a counterproposal expected from the Government and INEM.
That leaves two possible outcomes: the action proceeds under arrangements that include minimum services, or it is withdrawn before the date. Neither outcome should be assumed until a formal update is published.
What the public should do
For an immediate emergency, the route is unchanged: call 112 and follow the direction of emergency professionals. For non-emergency clinical advice, use SNS 24 or the appropriate local service.
If you have a non-urgent appointment, planned transfer or medical journey on either date, check with the responsible service nearer the time. A national strike notice does not prove that every local service will operate in the same way.
What you can do now.
- 01
Keep 14 and 28 September in mind if arranging non-urgent care.
- 02
Check the official position again close to the relevant date.
- 03
Use 112 immediately for a serious or life-threatening emergency.
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