Portuguese Airports Brace for Strike as Union and Menzies Aviation Face Criticism
On Thursday, 29 August 2024, the Portuguese Union STTAMP – Sindicato dos Trabalhadores dos Transportes de Portugal – issued a strike notice for major airport handling company SPdH – Serviços Portugueses de Handling, SA. Managed by the largest shareholder Menzies Aviation, the strike is scheduled to take place on 31 August and 1 September.
The Union has expressed concerns over the handling of the dispute by Menzies Aviation and the potential impact it will have on flight handling operations at all Portuguese airports. In response to this, the Union has released a press release to inform the public of the expected disruptions.
An Arbitration Court hearing was held on 26 August to determine the minimum services that must be maintained during the strike. The Union has received the decision from the court, which includes the following provisions:
– Critical flights, including ambulance and emergency flights, must be provided.– Military and state flights must also be maintained.– Flights that were already underway when the strike began must be completed.– Certain flights to and from the Azores and Madeira must be guaranteed.– The Union must designate workers to ensure the minimum services are provided, and Menzies Aviation must do so if not informed in time.– The use of strike workers is only permitted if non-striking workers are unable to provide the minimum services.
The Union has stated that it has made every effort to find a resolution with Menzies Aviation and has not shied away from dialogue. However, the company has not presented any alternative or proposal to prevent the strike.
The strike is set to take place on 31 August and 1 September, and passengers traveling to, from, or with a stopover at Portuguese airports during this time may experience disruptions. The Union has expressed regret that the situation has come to this point and has placed the responsibility on Menzies Aviation’s management.
This press release is distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/.
