Portuguese young people take to streets protesting poor working conditions

Hundreds of people, mostly young activists, took to the streets in the Portuguese capital on Saturday to protest against poor working conditions.

The protests, organized by Interjovem, a young workers' trade union and the country's largest workers' trade union CGTP, took place at a square in downtown Lisbon.

"One thing is pockets full, another is empty stomachs," said Armenio Carlos, CGTP head, during the protest, adding that he had joined the protest to fight precarious working conditions and employee's rights.

The Portuguese government has admitted that young people in Portugal have been among the most affected by the country's financial crisis.

Portugal emerged from a 78-billion-euro bailout program in May last year which forced the government to enforce changes to social welfare, leading to mass layoffs and salary cuts.

Although Portugal has returned to growth, the youth unemployment rate is still frighteningly high, standing at around 33.6 percent in January, according to recent figures released by Eurostat. Endit