Airports are likely to experience disruptions starting today due to a strike by two unions of Menzies, the ground handling service provider, which is expected to last until January.
The strike, organized by SIMA – Sindicato das Indústrias Metalúrgicas e Afins and STA – Sindicato dos Transportes, will span several periods until January 2, amounting to 76 days in total.
When are the strike dates?
The initial strike took place until September 9, with the next expected to occur from September 12 to 15 (from today until Sunday), followed by further strikes from September 19 to 22 and September 26 to 28.
In October, strikes are scheduled from the 3rd to the 6th, the 10th to the 13th, the 17th to the 20th, the 24th to the 27th, and from the 31st to November 3. This will be followed by strikes from November 7 to 10, November 14 to 17, November 21 to 24, November 28 to December 1, December 5 to 8, and December 12 to 15.
The final planned strike is from December 19 to January 2, 2026.
Airports are poised for potential disruptions beginning today, prompted by a strike from two unions at Menzies, the ground handling service provider, extending until January.
Lusa | 06:20 – 03/09/2025
What’s at stake?
The Arbitral Tribunal of the Economic and Social Council has decreed minimum services, with SIMA strongly opposing the tribunal’s decision regarding the strike at SPdH/Menzies, arguing that what was imposed does not constitute ‘minimum services’ and effectively requires ensuring around 80% of the normal operation.
The Arbitral Tribunal of the Economic and Social Council has decreed minimum services at the airports for the strike organized by two unions representing Menzies workers (formerly Groundforce) between September 3 and January 2.
Lusa | 07:19 – 01/09/2025
SIMA announced in August the scheduling of new strikes by workers of the company responsible for ground assistance services for alternating periods between today and January 2, 2026, including extended weekends and high-traffic dates like Christmas and New Year’s.
This new strike notice from SIMA follows strikes in July and August, as well as the suspension of planned strikes for late August after discussions at the Ministry of Labor.
Menzies, meanwhile, stated that the cancellation of the previous 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 commitments made until 2029.
SIMA – Sindicato das Indústrias Metalúrgicas e Afins described the minimum services decreed by the Arbitral Tribunal during the Menzies strike at airports as “outrageous” in a statement released by the organization.
Lusa | 19:06 – 01/09/2025
