Strike disrupts Portugal train service

Traffic on Portugal’s national railway service was seriously disrupted Monday by a controller and ticket agent strike.

The strike, called by rail union SFRCI, was aimed at protesting work conditions and the failure to implement an earlier deal on overtime and reducing traffic on certain lines, said the union.

“Nearly 90 percent of the trains have been cancelled,” said Luis Bravo, president of SFRCI to Portuguese media.

Ana Portela, spokeswoman for the national railway, acknowledged the strike was well followed, putting the participation rate at 88 percent.

Meanwhile, rail conductors and freight workers began a wildcat strike this weekend that is set to continue until late June.