Uncertainty Fuels Strike Threat at Portuguese Airports
The largest union representing workers at Menzies Aviation in Portugal is assessing the possibility of strike action at the end of December, citing profound uncertainty regarding the future of its members. The potential industrial action, primarily driven by the outcome of a ground handling license tender, could impact major Portuguese airports including Lisbon, Porto, and Faro.
The Aviation Workers' Union (SITAVA), the most representative union at Menzies, has voiced strong opposition to the lack of clarity surrounding job security and contractual rights. This follows a preliminary report in October 2025 that awarded a seven-year ground handling license to a Spanish consortium comprising Clece and South, effectively displacing current operator Menzies Aviation.
Dispute Over Handling Licenses and Worker Conditions
Menzies Aviation, which acquired a 50.1% stake in the former Groundforce in 2024, has formally contested the tender decision. Despite the Portuguese Ministry of Infrastructure extending the current licenses for an additional six months to ensure service continuity, unions argue this merely prolongs anxiety for approximately 4,000 employees. SITAVA stated that workers 'will not tolerate being 'kept in suspense' for six months without any assurance about their future.'
Beyond the tender dispute, unions like SIMA (Metallurgical and Related Industries Union) and the Transport Union (STA) have been advocating for improved working conditions. Their demands include increasing basic salaries, some of which are reportedly below Portugal's national minimum wage of €870, ensuring proper payment for night shifts, and enforcing previously agreed-upon benefits.
Potential Impact on Festive Season Travel
A series of strikes by Menzies ground handling staff has been scheduled from September 2025 through to January 2, 2026, specifically targeting peak travel periods. The planned industrial action for December includes periods from December 5-8, December 12-15, and a significant stretch from December 19, 2025, to January 2, 2026, encompassing the critical Christmas and New Year holidays.
These strikes are expected to cause considerable disruptions to ground handling services, including check-in, baggage handling, and boarding, potentially leading to flight delays and cancellations at key airports such as Lisbon's Humberto Delgado Airport, Porto's Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, and Faro's Gago Coutinho Airport. While the Portuguese government has mandated minimum service levels, unions have criticized these as excessive, arguing they undermine the effectiveness of the strike action.
5 Comments
KittyKat
Solidarity with the airport workers! Their future matters.
BuggaBoom
It's understandable that workers are concerned about job security, especially with a new consortium taking over. However, the timing of these strikes during the peak holiday season will cause immense frustration for travelers and could damage Portugal's reputation.
paracelsus
Both Menzies and the unions have points of contention regarding the tender and worker conditions. The government's role in prolonging licenses without definitive solutions seems to have exacerbated the tension, leading to this regrettable situation for all.
anubis
Selfish timing. There are better ways to negotiate.
paracelsus
While the demands for better wages and conditions are valid given some salaries are below minimum wage, the extensive strike periods feel excessive. A balance needs to be struck to ensure workers' rights without crippling essential services during critical times.