Lisbon, Aug. 19, 2025 (Lusa) - Portugal's Metallurgical and Related Industries Union (SIMA) has issued a new strike notice at ground handling company Menzies (formerly Groundforce) that extends from 3 September to 2 January 2026, covering all national airports.
According to the notice of strike issued on Tuesday, the stoppages of the workers of the company responsible for ground handling services will take place in alternating periods between 3 September and 2 January 2026, including long weekends and busy dates such as Christmas and New Year.
Among the demands, the union is calling for an end to basic salaries below the national minimum wage, the payment of night hours, the maintenance of rights such as access to car parking and compliance with the memorandum of understanding previously signed.
In addition, in the statement issued today, the union says that the existence of basic salaries below the national minimum wage, which stands at €870, goes "against what TAP, as the company's shareholder, has said in a letter sent to SPDH/Menzies, in which it considers this situation to be illegal".
SIMA's new notice comes after strikes in July and August and the suspension of stoppages planned for the end of August, following contacts with the Ministry of Labour.
Menzies said that the cancellation of the latest strikes "was not the result of any agreement, negotiation or concession", assuring that its position "remains unchanged" and that there have been no changes to the commitments made until 2029.
The union also stated that for the strike announced in the recent notice, "the workers will ensure the necessary services for the safety and maintenance of equipment and facilities".
Because of the above, SIMA considers that, given the current circumstances, namely the number of workers covered by the notice and its wide dissemination, it is only necessary to ensure the minimum services listed above.
According to an official union source, they represent around 4 per cent of Menzies' approximately 3,600 workers.
The first strike will take place from 00:00 on 3 September until 24:00 on 9 September, followed by further stoppages from 12 to 15 September, 19 to 22 September and 26 to 28 September.
In October, stoppages are scheduled from 3 to 6, 10 to 13, 17 to 20, 24 to 27 and 31 to 3 November. This will be followed by more stoppages from 7 to 10 November, 14 to 17 November, 21 to 24 November, 28 to 1 December, 5 to 08 December and 12 to 15 December.
The last stop is scheduled from 19 December to 2 January 2026.
SCR/ADB // ADB.
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