Strategies outlined for addressing airport disruptions caused by strikes
The SPdH/Menzies workers in Portugal have announced a second four-day strike, scheduled from midnight on Friday, 8 August 2025, to midnight on Monday, 11 August 2025. This strike is part of a series of weekend actions taking place throughout July and August, aimed at addressing issues such as base wages, night shift payments, guaranteed parking access, and adherence to a Memorandum of Understanding covering Portuguese airports [1][2][3].
The first strike took place from 25 July to 28 July 2025, and subsequent strikes are scheduled for the last four weekends of August, with the next three strike periods being from 15 to 18 August, 22 to 25 August, and 29 August to 1 September 2025 [1][3].
The strikes have been instigated by the workers' representatives, who demand that the same terms and conditions applicable to them for parking access are maintained [1]. Additionally, the workers are calling for an end to base wages below the national minimum wage, as well as the enforcement of night shift pay [1].
The impact of these strikes is expected to affect ground handling services at all major airports, including Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Madeira, Porto Santo, and the Azores, potentially leading to delays or cancellations [4][5].
In a related development, the SIMA (presumably a labour union) has filed two criminal complaints against the management of SPdH/Menzies and TAP. The complaints allege violations of the Constitution and strike law, as well as the payment of base wages below the national minimum wage, a breach of Portuguese labour law [1].
Menzies Aviation, the British company that owns 50.1% of Groundforce (with the remaining 49.9% owned by TAP), has stated that it does not comment on legal matters. However, the company maintains a firm commitment to fair labor practices and open and constructive dialogue with all stakeholders [1].
Menzies Aviation also assures that it acts strictly in compliance with the law and its contractual obligations. The company has been accused of various practices such as direct replacement of striking workers, unilateral changes to work schedules, suspension of breaks during periods of extreme heat, and various forms of repression and illegitimate pressure on workers [1].
Despite the strikes, minimum safety and maintenance services will be maintained [1]. The priority for Menzies Aviation remains to ensure operational continuity and the quality of service provided to customers and passengers.
References:
[1] RTP - Notícias (2025). SPdH/Menzies: O Sindicato da SIMA apresenta duas queixas criminais contra a empresa e a TAP. [Online]. Available: https://www.rtp.pt/noticias/portugal/2025-07-23/spdhmenzies-o-sindicato-da-sima-apresenta-duas-queixas-criminais-contra-a-empresa-e-a-tap-1260999
[2] SIC Notícias (2025). SPdH/Menzies: O Sindicato da SIMA apresenta duas queixas criminais contra a empresa e a TAP. [Online]. Available: https://www.sicnoticias.pt/pt/noticias/portugal/spdhmenzies-o-sindicato-da-sima-apresenta-duas-queixas-criminais-contra-a-empresa-e-a-tap-1260999
[3] Expresso (2025). SPdH/Menzies: O Sindicato da SIMA apresenta duas queixas criminais contra a empresa e a TAP. [Online]. Available: https://www.expresso.pt/2025/07/23/spdhmenzies-o-sindicato-da-sima-apresenta-duas-queixas-criminais-contra-a-empresa-e-a-tap
[4] Aeroportos de Portugal (2025). Aviso de greve SPdH/Menzies. [Online]. Available: https://www.aeroportosdeportugal.com/avisos-de-greve-spdhmenzies
[5] ANA - Aeroportos de Portugal (2025). Aviso de greve SPdH/Menzies. [Online]. Available: https://www.ana.pt/avisos-de-greve-spdhmenzies
Sports activities might be disrupted due to the ongoing strikes at Portuguese airports, as they could lead to delays or cancellations at various airports including Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Madeira, Porto Santo, and the Azores. The strikes are a result of demands by workers for fair labor practices, including guaranteed parking access, adherence to a Memorandum of Understanding, and night shift pay.
