Airlines grounded due to labor action
Portuguese Ground Handling Workers' Strike Causes Operational Disruptions
A series of strikes by the Metallurgical and Related Industries Union (SIMA) representing ground handling workers employed by Menzies/SPdH, a company that took over Portugal’s Groundforce after bankruptcy, is causing significant disruption at major Portuguese airports. The strikes, which started mid-July 2025, are ongoing and scheduled to continue through August and into early September.
The dispute centers on fair pay and working conditions for ground handling staff. SIMA accuses Menzies/SPdH of flagrantly violating the right to strike and engaging in illegal practices to neutralize strike effects. These allegations stem from attempts by Menzies/SPdH or associated entities to undermine strike impact, possibly by hiring non-striking personnel or other tactics.
SIMA's leader, Carlos Araujo, has highlighted the "increasing number of flights departing without baggage" as a result of the strike. The accumulated baggage from these flights is causing a significant processing issue.
TAP, Portugal's Flag Carrier airline, has been implicated in the dispute as SIMA publicly accuses TAP of sabotaging the Menzies/SPdH strike covertly yet legally to minimize disruption. Allegedly, TAP replaces striking Menzies workers without breaching laws, with government compliance.
The strikes have resulted in flight cancellations and delays at Lisbon Airport and other major Portuguese airports. On one notable occasion, over 15 departures and 12 arrivals were affected. The Transport Union (ST) is also participating in the strike.
The workers' demands include an end to base wages below the national minimum wage, payment for night shifts, better wage conditions, and the maintenance of parking access under the same conditions as before. The subsequent strike periods are scheduled for August 8-11, 15-18, 22-25, and 29 August until September 1.
SIMA intends to file formal complaints with the Working Conditions Authority (ACT) and the Public Prosecutor's Office regarding these alleged illegalities. The union is collecting evidence to support their claims.
The strike is ongoing at the time of the statement to Lusa news agency. The statement was issued by SIMA on Saturday. No new information about the current status of the strike was provided in this paragraph.
- In light of the ongoing strikes by SIMA, there were concerns raised about the financial impact on the aviation industry, as Portuguese airports experienced operational disruptions, leading to flight cancellations and delays, affecting not only Menzies/SPdH but possible repercussions on other finance-related sectors of the industry.
- As the strike continues through the month of August and into early September, with the involvement of the Transport Union (ST), there could be potential news stories emerging in the industry regarding the legalities of TAP's covert sabotage of the Menzies/SPdH strike, and SIMA's allegations of illegal practices by the company, which may affect the public perception of the finance, transportation, and aviation sectors in Portugal.
