The Portuguese Aviation Workers’ Union, Sintac, has raised concerns about potential risks for workers following the selection of the ‘handling’ operator Clece/South, owned by Iberia and part of the IAG group, by the National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC). The union expressed surprise at the regulator’s preliminary decision to grant assistance licenses at Lisbon, Porto, and Faro airports.
The union noted that the IAG group is also interested in the privatization process of TAP, which holds a 49.9% stake in Menzies, formerly Groundforce.
“This connection raises legitimate questions about possible conflicts of interest and the intentions behind this choice,” Sintac stated, suspecting that “the privatization might focus solely on the core business of air transport, excluding other group companies such as Menzies.”
The union has repeatedly observed strategies in the country’s privatization processes aiming to disguise specific interests.
Sintac has demanded urgent clarification from ANAC and the Ministry of Infrastructure, as well as the immediate involvement of all representative unions in the decision-making process that could affect sector workers.
Menzies expressed regret over this outcome, which it plans to contest, disagreeing with the classification received. The company stated its belief that its proposal “demonstrates proven operational excellence, continuity, and a fully qualified workforce composed of over 3,500 employees who have consistently delivered safe and high-quality services to clients and the community.”
Contacted by Lusa, ANAC stated only that “within the procedure of the tender, the competitors were notified by the jury of the preliminary report,” and that this is “normal and regular processing within the tender process.”
The regulator emphasized that “competitors now have the period to present their statements,” noting that “the final report has not been made, and at this stage, there is no decision or selection of the service provider.”
The Aviation and Airport Workers’ Union (Sitava) also expressed disbelief and indignation over the regulator’s preliminary decision to grant airport assistance licenses to Clece/South, excluding Menzies, the former Groundforce.
