The strike notice issued today reveals that the workers of the company providing ground handling services will conduct a series of staggered strikes from September 3 to January 2, 2026. These strikes encompass long weekends and peak traffic dates, such as Christmas and New Year’s.
The union demands include eliminating basic wages below the national minimum wage, payment for night hours, retention of rights like parking access, and adherence to a previously signed memorandum of understanding.
In the latest statement, the union criticizes the presence of base salaries that fall below the national minimum wage of 870 euros, stating that this contradicts a letter from TAP, a shareholder in the company, sent to SPDH/Menzies, which deems this situation illegal.
This new strike notice by SIMA follows strikes in July and August, as well as the suspension of strikes initially planned for late August after discussions at the Ministry of Labor.
Menzies assured that the cancellation of the recent strikes “was not the result of any agreement, negotiation, or concession,” affirming that its stance “remains unchanged” with no alterations to commitments through 2029.
The union confirms that during the announced strike, “workers will ensure essential services for the safety and maintenance of equipment and facilities.”
Therefore, SIMA perceives that given the current circumstances, particularly the number of workers covered by the prior notification and its widespread publication, only the minimum services previously specified need to be guaranteed.
An official union source indicates that about 4% of Menzies’ approximately 3,600 employees are represented.
The first strike is scheduled from midnight on September 3 to midnight on September 9, followed by strikes from September 12 to 15, 19 to 22, and 26 to 28.
October will see strikes from October 3 to 6, 10 to 13, 17 to 20, 24 to 27, and October 31 to November 3. Additional strikes are planned for November 7 to 10, 14 to 17, 21 to 24, November 28 to December 1, December 5 to 8, and December 12 to 15.
The final strike is scheduled from December 19 to January 2, 2026.
