Portuguese Work Hours Exceed European Average

The Business Front Table Portugal reported that average salaries at the 42 largest companies in the country exceed 80,000 euros per worker. The source discussed the implications of increasing flexibility within this economic structure. The data indicates that Portugal is among the countries in the European Union with the highest number of working hours and low productivity levels. The report was presented on Workers' Day. The average salary in Portugal is approximately 2,000 euros, which is significantly lower than the European average of 3,300 euros. While Portugal maintains an employment rate above the average, four out of ten workers under the age of 30 hold temporary contracts. There is a direct correlation between education levels and salary rates in the country. More than one-third of Portuguese workers hold higher education degrees. Portuguese workers average 39.7 hours per week, placing the country among the highest in Europe for work duration. Portugal ranks alongside Cyprus, trailing only Greece, Poland, Romania, and Bulgaria. In contrast, workers in the Netherlands average 31.5 hours per week, while Denmark averages 33.6 hours. Camila Vidal reported that Portuguese salaries remain below average and job precariousness affects youth.