Current situation, features, and evaluation of changes in the labor law in southern Europe in the wake of the economic crisis: the Portuguese regime

Abstract

In this brief article, we will try and sum up the main recent changes to Portuguese labor law. Although there were signs of evolution since 2003 (with the adoption of the Labor Code), this phenomenon was accelerated by the crisis, which particularly struck Portugal. In fact, the country was forced to require external financial aid and, as a condition to that assistance, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed, demanding a number of alterations to labor law (among other areas) in order to create a more employer-friendly regulation and promote economical recovery. We try and will analyze these changes, their reception amongst social partners, as well as their practical enforcement.