Flights abandoned because of labor action
SIMA Union Strike at SPdH/Menzies Causes Travel Disruptions
The Metallurgical and Related Industries Union (SIMA) is currently on strike at SPdH/Menzies (formerly Groundforce), a leading aviation company in Portugal, over a series of worker demands. The strike, which began at midnight on Friday and is scheduled to end at midnight on Monday, is part of a five-week series of four-day strikes scheduled for weekends through early September.
The union's specific demands include base salaries that align with the national minimum wage, better wages overall, payment for night shift hours, fulfillment of a Memorandum of Understanding signed during the transition from Groundforce to Menzies, and access to employee parking as per prior agreements.
The ongoing strike schedule includes a series of four-day strikes over multiple weekends from late July through early September 2025. The first strike took place from midnight July 25 to midnight July 28, and subsequent strikes are scheduled for August 8–11, August 15–18, August 22–25, and August 29–September 1.
Regarding allegations of illegal practices, the company denies any wrongdoing, stating it "operates rigorously in compliance with the law." However, SIMA is collecting evidence of these alleged illegalities and intends to file formal complaints with the Working Conditions Authority (ACT) and the Public Prosecutor's Office.
The Transport Union (ST) is also participating in the strike called by SIMA. The strikes have caused significant travel disruptions at Lisbon Airport and other Portuguese airports, with warnings for travelers to expect delays, baggage handling issues, and to confirm flight status with airlines ahead of travel.
In a statement made on Saturday, SIMA accused Menzies of violating the right to strike by using illegal practices such as forced shift advancement, calling in workers on days off, and replacing strikers with temporary workers. The union alleges that management is refusing dialogue and ignoring labor rights.
Despite the company's denial of illegal practices, the strikes continue, with the next scheduled strike period being August 8-11. Travelers are advised to be aware of potential disruptions and to plan accordingly.
| Aspect | Details | |-----------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Union | SIMA (Metalworkers and Allied Industries Union) | | Employer | SPdH/Menzies (formerly Groundforce) | | Specific Demands | Base salaries ≥ national minimum wage, better wages, night-hour pay, employee parking, fulfillment of MoU salary increases and owed compensation (€2.5M+) | | Strike Schedule | Five 4-day strikes on weekends: July 25-28, August 8-11, 15-18, 22-25, 29-Sept 1, 2025 | | Accusations | Company accused of refusing dialogue and ignoring labor rights by unions | | Company Response | Denies illegal practices; claims compliance with law and contracts | | Impact | Major disruptions at all Portuguese airports, traveler delays and baggage issues |
- The SIMA Union's current strike at SPdH/Menzies, a key player in Portugal's aviation industry, has disrupted various health-and-wellness aspects of workplace-wellness due to the ensuing travel disruptions.
- The scientific study on union strikes in the finance sector might find an interesting case in the ongoing SIMA strike, examining its effects on public-transit systems and transportation networks.
- Despite the company's denial of illegal practices, the news of the SIMA Union strike at SPdH/Menzies has sparked discussions within the industry, questioning the company's commitment to upholding labor laws.
- The SIMA Union's allegations of illegal practices against SPdH/Menzies could potentially lead to changes in the aviation sector and wider industry standards regarding employee rights and well-being.
