“The situation at Lisbon airport is sheer chaos”, stated Carlos Araújo, leader of the Sindicato das Indústrias Metalúrgicas e Afins (SIMA), while providing an update on the third day of strike action at 19:50.
The union representative highlighted that the labor conflict has led to 36 flight cancellations and caused delays, which have also significantly impacted baggage handling, resulting in considerable accumulation of luggage.
“It will take at least a week to restore normality in baggage handling”, he remarked.
The union is urging workers to participate in a rally scheduled for Monday at 10:00 at building 70 of the Humberto Delgado International Airport.
“Fight for your rights. Fight for your future, don’t miss it. Together we are stronger. We count on you,” says SIMA in a post promoting the gathering.
The ongoing strike, organized by SIMA and the Transport Workers Union, commenced at midnight on Friday and will continue until 24:00 on Monday.
This is the first of five four-day strikes planned for weekends until early September.
In August, the strike periods are scheduled for August 8 to 11, 15 to 18, 22 to 25, and August 29 to September 1.
The workers’ demands include ending base salaries below the national minimum wage, nighttime pay, improved salary conditions, and maintaining access to the parking facilities under existing terms.
