The issue appeared to have been resolved, but it wasn’t. The Metalurgical and Related Industries Union (SIMA) has issued a new strike notice at Menzies (formerly Groundforce) set to extend from September 3 to January 2, 2026, affecting all national airports.
According to the strike notice issued on Tuesday, work stoppages by the company responsible for handling services will occur alternately between September 3 and January 2, 2026. These include long weekends and high-traffic dates such as Christmas and New Year.
Strike Schedule
The first strike will occur from 12:00 AM on September 3 until 11:59 PM on September 9, followed by another stoppage from September 12 to 15, September 19 to 22, and September 26 to 28.
In October, stoppages are scheduled from October 3 to 6, 10 to 13, 17 to 20, 24 to 27, and from October 31 to November 3. More stoppages will follow from November 7 to 10, 14 to 17, 21 to 24, 28 to December 1, December 5 to 8, and December 12 to 15.
The final stoppage is planned from December 19 to January 2, 2026.
In August 2024, 37% of passengers departing from Portugal faced flight disruptions, “indicating how common these issues have become,” reveals AirHelp. Know your passenger rights.
Notícias ao Minuto | 08:27 – 14/08/2025
What Do the Workers Demand?
The union demands include the end of base salaries below the national minimum wage, payment for night hours, maintenance of rights such as parking access, and compliance with the previously signed memorandum of understanding.
Furthermore, in the statement issued on Tuesday, the union notes that base salaries below the national minimum wage of 870 euros clash with TAP’s stance (also a shareholder in the company), which deems the situation illegal via a letter sent to SPDH/Menzies.
This new notice by SIMA follows strikes held in July and August and the suspension of planned stoppages for late August, following discussions at the Ministry of Labor.
Menzies assured that the cancellation of the last strikes “was not the result of any agreement, negotiation, or concession,” asserting that its position “remains unchanged” and that there have been no changes to commitments made until 2029.
The union also states that for the strike announced in the recent notice, “workers will ensure the necessary services for the safety and maintenance of equipment and facilities.”
As highlighted, SIMA believes that, given the current circumstances, including the number of workers covered by the pre-notice and its widespread dissemination, it is only necessary to ensure previously listed minimum services.
According to an official union source, these workers account for about 4% of approximately 3,600 Menzies employees.
