Flights persistently get scrapped because of the ongoing work stoppage
A series of four-day strikes by workers at the Menzies handling company, led by the SIMA union and the Transport Union, is causing significant disruptions at Lisbon Airport and other airports across Portugal. The strike, which began at midnight on July 24 and ended today at midnight, is part of a larger series of five stoppages scheduled through early September.
The strike has led to delays and cancellations in cargo, passenger check-in, and baggage handling. According to reports, at least 14 departures and 4 arrivals were cancelled on the last day of the strike, and more than 40 to 50 trucks with cargo are waiting at the cargo terminal this morning, either to be unloaded or due to excessively long waiting times.
The union's demands focus on better wages, night-hour pay, improved benefits, overdue back pay of over €2.5 million from the Groundforce transition to Menzies, and access to employee parking. However, the company's position is that negotiations will not occur while strike notices remain in effect. As of late July 2025, no negotiations have been scheduled between the union and the Menzies handling company.
ANA - Aeroportos de Portugal, which manages the country's infrastructure, has been contacted for comment but is yet to respond. The airport authority has primarily advised travelers to stay in close contact with airlines to monitor flight and baggage status due to the strike disruptions.
The strike periods in August are scheduled for August 8-11, 15-18, 22-25, and 29-September 1. The next strike is scheduled 15 days from the current date.
The salary scale issue is a concern for the workers and their union representatives, with Carlos Araujo, a representative, stating that the company's stance is an excuse for not addressing the salary issues. Araujo lamented that full-time salaries at the company are below the minimum wage and emphasized that workers need guarantees from the company regarding salary scale reviews.
In summary, the ongoing strike at Menzies handling company is causing significant disruptions at Lisbon Airport and other airports across Portugal. Travelers and cargo interests should anticipate continued disruptions until agreements are reached.
- The financial implications of the strike extend beyond Menzies, as delays in transportation at Lisbon Airport have led to losses in the airline industry, particularly for companies reliant on cargo operations.
- With several more strike periods scheduled in August, the future of the transportation industry at Portuguese airports remains uncertain, as negotiations between the union and Menzies handling company have not been scheduled yet.
- The disrupted transportation services at Portuguese airports also impact the finance sector, as the tourism industry, a significant contributor to Portugal's economy, may experience a downturn due to travel disruptions caused by the strike.
