The Portuguese Union for Transport Workers, SINDICATO DOS TRABALHADORES DOS TRANSPORTES DE PORTUGAL, has declared a strike at all major airports in Portugal. The strike, set to take place on August 31 and September 1, is in response to the handling of a dispute with SPdH – Serviços Portugueses de Handling, SA, a major airport handling company managed by the largest shareholder, Menzies Aviation.
The Arbitration Court held a hearing on August 26 to determine the minimum services that must be provided during the strike. The Union received the court’s decision on August 28.
The decision outlines the minimum services that must be provided during the strike, including flights for critical situations, military and state flights, and flights already underway at the time of the strike. In addition, specific requirements are outlined for flights to and from the Azores and Madeira.
The Union is responsible for designating workers to ensure these minimum services are met, and they have done so in solidarity with all passengers who may be affected by the stoppage. The Union regrets that it has come to this point and has made efforts to find a solution through dialogue with Menzies Aviation, but no alternative or proposal was presented by the company to prevent the strike.
The strike is set to affect all flight handling operations to, from, or with a stopover at Portuguese airports. It will be up to Menzies Aviation to take full responsibility for the stoppage, as they have not presented any alternative or proposal to prevent it. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause to passengers and hope for a prompt resolution to the dispute.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.