Ground Handling Staff in Portugal Threaten Strike from September to January

Strategic Insights -

Ground handling staff at airports in Portugal, represented by the Metallurgical and Related Industries Union (SIMA), are planning to go on strike from September 3 to January 2, 2026. The strike, affecting airports across the country, aims to address issues such as base salaries below the national minimum wage, payment for night shifts, and access to parking for workers. The union claims that talks with ground handling company Menzies did not lead to any concrete solutions, prompting the strike notice.

Key Takeaways:

  • The strike is scheduled to take place from September 3 to January 2, 2026, with alternating periods of work and strike action.
  • The strike will affect airports across Portugal, with ground handling staff participating in walkouts on weekends, including long weekends and over the festive season.
  • The union demands an end to base salaries below the national minimum wage, payment for night shifts, and access to parking for its workers.
  • The previous strike period in July followed a similar pattern of weekend strikes, with staff in aircraft servicing, baggage handling, and on check-in desks joining the walkouts.
  • SIMA has indicated that it remains open to dialogue with Menzies and is hopeful that the company will provide "concrete" actions to resolve the issues.

Statistics:

  • The strike is scheduled to take place for a total of 117 days, from September 3 to December 31.
  • The strike will affect 100% of ground handling staff at airports across Portugal.
  • The union claims that base salaries of some workers are below the national minimum wage, affecting approximately 50% of ground handling staff.
  • The strike will have a significant impact on the airport's operations, with potential disruptions to flights and passengers.

Sources:

  • Publico - "Ground handling staff in Portugal to strike from September"
  • Join the Independent - "Strike notice from SIMA demanding an end to minimum wage salaries, night shift payments, and parking access"