The Menzies Group expressed its concern on Thursday over the strike by SPdH/Menzies workers (formerly Groundforce), stating that the minimum services are inadequate and that the strike occurs during a critical period for national tourism.
“We continue to work closely with our clients, partners, and other entities to mitigate the impact of the strike and ensure the continuity of operations. Robust contingency plans have been implemented, aligned with the minimum services defined by the Economic and Social Council (CES), and with full respect for workers’ rights. However, we express our concern that the defined minimum services are insufficient, impacting a critical period for tourism and the national economy,” a statement to the press indicated.
The company regrets “that the unions insist on promoting a distorted narrative, based on unfounded allegations, and show a lack of willingness for fair and honest dialogue.”
“We fully comply with the current Company Agreement (CA) and will remain committed to this principle,” it further reveals.
In the same statement, the company asserts that the “focus remains on providing safe and efficient services, maintaining an open and respectful working environment for all our employees.”
“We also regret that a strike has been 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,” it concludes.
In August, strike periods are scheduled for August 8 to 11, 15 to 18, 22 to 25, and August 29 to September 1.
Among the workers’ demands are the end of basic wages below the national minimum wage, payment for night hours, better salary conditions, and maintaining access to the parking lot under previous terms.
However, in the note sent to the publication, the company claims that the “minimum monthly guaranteed wage (RMMG) in Portugal is 870€” and that “at Menzies, the gross monthly remuneration for full-time operational workers includes all fixed components, reaching the legal minimum monthly guaranteed wage.”
Furthermore, it ensures that “night hours are paid as provided in the Company Agreement.”
It also states that the “4 days of work / 2 days of rest (4/2) model was introduced to promote a better work-life balance, having been agreed upon with the unions. Additionally, our schedules aim to improve workers’ well-being by reducing the number of consecutive working hours without a break from 6 to 5.”
Two weeks ago, twenty-two departures and 14 arrivals scheduled at Lisbon airport were canceled due to the strike by SPdH/Menzies workers (formerly Groundforce), according to a union source to the Lusa agency.
The union representative emphasized that the effects of the labor conflict, beyond the 36 cancellations and the delays on several flights, were also felt in the baggage flow, with many items accumulating.
“It will take at least a week to restore baggage normalcy,” he stated at the time.
