Lisbon, Aug. 1, 2025 (Lusa) - Menzies Aviation said on Friday it had activated contingency plans to ensure smooth ground handling services at airports and said it was acting in accordance with the law and with “full respect for workers’ rights”.
“Robust contingency plans are in place to protect operations and maintain services, particularly during this busy summer period, “We always show full respect for workers’ rights,” said a spokesperson for British company Menzies Aviation, which owns 50.1% of the former Groundforce (TAP still owns the remaining 49.9%), in a statement sent to the media.
The Metal and Allied Industries Union (SIMA) reported this week that it had filed two criminal complaints with the Public Prosecutor’s Office against the administrations of SPdH/Menzies and TAP, one for violation of the Constitution of the Republic and the Strike Law, “based on the direct replacement of striking workers, unilateral changes to working hours, suspension of breaks during periods of extreme heat, and various forms of repression and illegitimate pressure on workers”, and the other “for paying base salaries below the National Minimum Wage (SMN), a serious and unacceptable violation of Portuguese labour law, which undermines the dignity of workers and constitutes an economic crime”.
“Concerning the alleged legal proceedings, Menzies Aviation offers comments only on non-legal matters,” the company said, adding that it acts “strictly under the law” and its contractual obligations, “maintaining a firm commitment to fair labour practices and open and constructive dialogue with all stakeholders.”
Menzies also stressed that its priority “remains to ensure operational continuity and the quality of service provided” to customers and passengers.
SPdH/Menzies workers carried out the first of five strikes this summer last weekend, leading to several delays and flight cancellations, with the next four-day strike scheduled for 8 to 11 August.
Organisers plan strikes for all days between 15 and 18 August, 22 and 25 August, and 29 August and 1 September.
Workers’ representatives say the strike is motivated by demands such as base salaries set at least at the national minimum wage, better pay, payment for night shifts and continued access to the car park under the same terms and conditions “that have always applied to them”.
MPE/ADB // ADB.
Lusa
