Current president of the National Union of Hazardous Materials Drivers (SNMMP), Francisco São Bento played a central role in the organization of several labor strikes that took place in Portugal in 2019.
São Bento became the spokesperson for the hazardous materials drivers following the resignation of Pedro Pardal Henriques, during the course of the second strike organized by the labor union, which lasted for seven days and forced the government to declare an energetic crisis. Some of the union's most important demands were the increase of the minimum wage to 900€, the payment and reduction of overtime work, and a general improvement of working conditions. The National Union was crucial in negotiating with the government, and carried on with the strike even when the Independent Union of Drivers withdrew.