“This strike is the direct result of the intransigence of Menzies’ management, represented by its vice-president Rui Gomes, who chose confrontation over dialogue, refusing solutions that respected the rights of workers and the interests of the country”, accused the Sindicato das Indústrias Metalúrgicas e Afins (SIMA) in a statement released Thursday.
The union stated that “during the peak tourist season, Menzies and TAP turned their backs on their professionals, customers, and all who visit Portugal, with an arrogant, irresponsible, and calculated stance”.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Menzies expressed regret in statements sent to the media, “that the unions insist on promoting a distorted narrative based on unfounded allegations and demonstrate a lack of availability for fair and honest dialogue”.
“We also regret that a strike was called based on distorted and unfounded arguments, and we appeal for constructive dialogue to avoid unnecessary disruptions for passengers during a time of high activity in the aviation sector,” added the British Menzies Aviation, which holds 50.1% of the former Groundforce (the remaining 49.9% remains with TAP).
The strikes were called by SIMA and the Sindicato dos Transportes (ST), demanding an end to base salaries below the national minimum wage, better wages, payment for night hours, among other demands, with the next period starting at 00:00 today and ending at 24:00 on Monday.
The first strike of ground handling workers, from July 25 to 28, resulted in the cancellation of several dozen flights at Lisbon airport, delays, and cases where planes departed only with passengers, without luggage or cargo, according to the union.
For the upcoming strike, SIMA spokesperson André Silva told Lusa he expects a similar impact, although the extent of worker adherence and operational disruptions will only become clear on the actual days.
Menzies considered that the minimum services defined by the Economic and Social Council are insufficient and reiterated that “robust” contingency plans have been implemented, aligned with those minimum services “and with full respect for workers’ rights”.
Last week, SIMA announced it had filed two criminal complaints with the Public Prosecutor’s Office against the administrations of SPdH/Menzies and TAP, one for violating the Constitution of the Republic and the Strike Law, “based on the direct replacement of striking workers, unilateral schedule changes, suspension of breaks during extreme heat periods, and various forms of repression and illegitimate pressure on workers”, and another “for paying base salaries below the national minimum wage, a serious and unacceptable violation of Portuguese labor legislation”.
In statements sent at that time, Menzies said it would not comment on legal matters, ensuring it acts “rigorously, in compliance with the law” and its contractual obligations, “maintaining a firm commitment to fair labor practices and open, constructive dialogue with all stakeholders”.
Strikes are scheduled until the last weekend of August, on all days between August 15 and 18, August 22 and 25, and August 29 and September 1.
