This morning, at least 14 departures and four arrivals were canceled, marking the final day of the workers’ strike at the ground handling company Menzies, which disrupted airport operations over the weekend, according to statements by Carlos Araújo, leader of the Metalworkers and Related Industries Union (SIMA).
However, at the cargo terminal, “more than 40 to 50 trucks with cargo” were either waiting or had exceeded the drivers’ allowed waiting times.
Carlos Araújo noted that most of the cargo likely remained unloaded during the strike days.
The impact at other airports was smaller but still noticeable.
The ongoing strike, organized by SIMA and the Transport Workers Union (ST), began at midnight Friday and continues until midnight today.
This is the first of five four-day strikes scheduled for weekends until early September, with future strikes in August set for 8th to 11th, 15th to 18th, 22nd to 25th, and August 29th to September 1st.
Carlos Araújo stated there had been no negotiations with the company and no plans for talks, as he was informed that these will not occur while strike notices are in effect.
“During the various strikes we have planned, there were long periods without any strike notice, and the company’s position remains unchanged, serving as an excuse,” he emphasized.
“We hope the company, having almost 15 days until the next strike, takes the chance to adjust its actions and provide us with a guarantee to review the pay scales with a fixed date,” he stated, highlighting the need for worker assurances.
“It is absolutely incomprehensible, and I am sure most Portuguese people would not consider full-time salaries below the minimum wage,” he remarked.
Lusa contacted ANA — Airports of Portugal, which manages the national infrastructure, and is awaiting a response.
