“This strike is the direct result of the inflexibility of Menzies’ management, represented by its vice-president Rui Gomes, who chose confrontation over dialogue, refusing solutions that respected the rights of workers and the interests of the country,” stated the Metalworkers and Allied Industries Union (SIMA) in a communiqué today.
According to the union, “in the height of the tourism season, Menzies and TAP turned their backs on their professionals, clients, and all those visiting Portugal with an arrogant, irresponsible, and calculated attitude.” “Faced with ongoing labor issues and just workers’ demands, Menzies and TAP’s response was clear: no negotiations,” it emphasized.
A spokesperson for Menzies expressed regret in a statement to the press, “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 regret the call for a strike based on misleading and unfounded arguments and appeal for constructive dialogue to avoid unnecessary disruptions for passengers during a time of high activity in the aviation sector,” highlighted British company Menzies Aviation, which holds 50.1% of the former Groundforce (the remaining 49.9% remain with TAP).
The strikes have been organized by SIMA and the Transport Union (ST) to address issues such as base salaries below the national minimum, better wages, and the proper payment of night hours. The next strike period is set to begin at 12:00 AM on Friday and end at 12:00 AM on Monday.
In today’s statement, SIMA mentioned that the Ministry of Infrastructure requested a proposal from the union to consider calling off the strike during a meeting last Friday.
“As requested, SIMA sent its proposal to the Ministry. So far, there has been no response,” stated the union.
The initial ground staff strike from July 25 to 28 led to the cancellation of several dozen flights at Lisbon airport, delays, and cases where planes departed with only passengers, leaving behind luggage and cargo, according to the union.
For the upcoming strike, SIMA spokesperson André Silva told Lusa that he expects a similar impact, although the extent of worker participation and operational disruptions will only be clear on the actual days.
Menzies stated today that the minimum services defined by the Economic and Social Council are insufficient and reiterated that robust contingency plans have been implemented in line with those minimum services “and with full respect for workers’ rights.”
Last week, SIMA informed that it had filed two criminal complaints with the Public Prosecutor’s Office against the administrations of SPdH/Menzies and TAP. One was for violating the Constitution of the Republic and the Strike Law, “based on the direct replacement of striking workers, unilateral changes to schedules, suspension of breaks during extreme heat periods, and various forms of illegitimate repression and pressure on workers,” and the other “for paying base salaries below the National Minimum Wage (SMN), a serious and unacceptable violation of Portuguese labor law.”
At that time, Menzies stated that it would not comment on legal matters, assuring that it operates “rigorously in compliance with the law” and with contractual obligations, “maintaining a firm commitment to fair labor practices and open and constructive dialogue with all stakeholders.”
Strikes are scheduled until the last weekend of August, encompassing all days between August 15 and 18, August 22 and 25, and August 29 and September 1.
