Airport disruptions set for five weekends starting this Friday, with limited services during the industrial action spanning over five weekends
The workers of SPdH/Menzies, formerly Groundforce, have announced a series of strikes scheduled for July and August, causing concern for travelers during the peak summer travel season. The strikes are due to several unresolved issues, including base salaries reportedly below the national minimum wage, unpaid night shift compensation, parking access, and the honoring of a Memorandum of Understanding signed after the transition from Groundforce to Menzies Aviation.
The agreement, which promised salary increases through 2026 and the payment of over €2.5 million in outstanding compensation, has not been fulfilled by the company. The workers are demanding compliance with the terms of this agreement.
The strikes will take place over five weekends, starting with the last weekend of July (25th to 28th, 2025) and continuing for four additional weekends throughout August. During these periods, travelers can expect significant delays and potential cancellations, especially in ground operations such as check-in, baggage handling, and aircraft servicing.
However, it is important to note that essential safety and maintenance services will be maintained during the strikes. This implies that though significant disruptions are expected, the minimum required operations for safety and critical maintenance will continue as decreed by authorities.
Travelers are advised to avoid checked luggage and prepare for disruptions in all Portuguese airports. The Economic and Social Council's Arbitral Tribunal has mandated minimum services during the strikes to ensure operational safety.
This news may cause inconvenience for many travelers, and it is recommended to monitor updates and adjust travel plans accordingly. The SPdH/Menzies workers' union and the company are encouraged to resolve the issues at hand to minimize the impact on travelers.
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The unresolved disputes over base salaries, night shift compensation, parking access, and Memorandum of Understanding compliance have forced the SPdH/Menzies workers to strike, affecting the entire industry. In light of the strikes, the finance sector may experience a significant reduction in revenue due to travel cancellations. Additionally, inadequate ground operations, including check-in, baggage handling, and aircraft servicing, could potentially impact the reputation of Portuguese transportation.
