Portuguese port workers, launching their second strike this week, were expected to heavily disrupt three major ports Friday, 17 August, in two four-hour periods, while other labour disputes affected Portugal’s airports and railways.

The Fesmarpor union confederation said its partial strike would target the ports of Lisbon, Setúbal and Figueira da Foz.

Last Tuesday, it paralysed the five biggest mainland ports to protest the government’s plans to limit the range of tasks performed by union members.

Meanwhile, airport handling crews also launched their second 24-hour strike this week, which was expected to provoke slight flight delays, while railroad unions continued an overtime strike.

(Photograph: Isa Costa/Flickr)