Ground Handling Staff in Portugal Threaten Rolling Strikes

Ground handling staff at airports across Portugal are bracing themselves for potential rolling strikes starting in September, which could last through early January. The strikes, a result of a long-standing labor dispute between the staff and Menzies Aviation, have caught the attention of the industry as a whole. The dispute has been ongoing since talks broke down on August 14, with the union claiming the company has failed to address their demands.

Key Takeaways:

• The strike, scheduled to run between 3 September 2025 and 2 January 2026, will impact long weekends and the busy holiday travel season.
• The Metallurgical and Related Industries Union (SIMA) has filed a new strike notice citing a lack of concrete progress in negotiations with Menzies Aviation.
• The union has expressed disappointment in the company's response to their proposals, stating that no substantial measures were presented.
• SIMA has reiterated their willingness to engage in further negotiations, but is firm in their stance that they will not "accept the perpetuation" of the current situation.
• The planned industrial action will affect staff in key airport operations, including aircraft servicing, baggage handling, and check-in services.

Statistics:

• The strike is scheduled to run between 3 September 2025 and 2 January 2026.
• The planned strike will impact long weekends and the busy holiday travel season.
• The union has cited a lack of concrete progress in negotiations with Menzies Aviation.
• The company has been accused of failing to address the union's demands.

Sources:

• [Publico, Portuguese newspaper]
• [The Bangladesh Monitor]