The Independent Union of Aviation Workers (SIMA) has canceled its planned strike and announced participation in a meeting mediated by the Directorate-General for Employment and Labour Relations (DGERT) scheduled for May 6, aimed at renegotiating the understanding protocol, among other issues.
Referring to the previously announced “long struggle” scheduled for this month, the union attributed its decision to a “notable change in attitude by SPdH,” indicating a “breath of fresh air in the previously stagnant environment.”
“SIMA is neither stubborn nor will it ever be and our efforts are dedicated to improving working conditions and restoring legality within this company,” the union emphasized.
This union sees itself as the “only true union within this company,” highlighting that its “sole interest” is in defending its members and workers, distancing itself from acting as a “spokesperson for the employer.”
The company SPdH/Menzies, which provides ground support services at Portuguese airports, had announced a full strike for April 18, 19, and 20, with a partial strike from April 21 to May 2.
When this strike was announced in mid-March, the union justified it by stating that the management of SPdH SA (a handling company intervened by Menzies Portugal holding 50.01% of the share capital) refused to engage in dialogue, except with two unions.
SIMA argues that “SPdH SA has frozen shift, weather, and career progression allowances for more than 21 years” and that the company “intentionally fails to fully comply with the recovery plan approved in September 2023 by the Lisbon Commercial Court.”
According to the union, the company “has yet to pay a substantial part of the debts recognized and approved by the Lisbon Commercial Court” and “unilaterally halted the amicable termination plan, abruptly, even in cases where only signatures on agreements were pending.”
Moreover, it claims that “only 140 workers left” under the amicable termination agreements and suggests potential exits of workers not enrolled in the program.
With a belief that there is “a regression in communication, reverting to simple impositions, devoid of dialogue and filled with empty clichés,” SIMA states it is “forced to resort to this form of struggle to achieve the access and right to dignified work, fair pay, and open dialogue with all ‘players,'” as expressed in its statement.
An official from Menzies assured to Lusa that “as part of the recovery plan, and following a detailed evaluation of all company assets, equipment, and employees, several positions were identified for redundancy,” adding that “approximately 160 employees accepted a mutual termination proposal, and 10 administrative support roles were deemed redundant.”
TAP filed for the insolvency of Groundforce in 2021, with an initial creditors’ list indicating debts of around 154 million euros. Subsequently, the insolvency plan recognized debts amounting to 136.2 million euros.
Menzies plans an initial investment of 12.5 million euros in Groundforce.
The insolvency plan states that TAP will retain a 49.9% stake in the handling company initially, with the remaining capital held by Menzies Aviation.
