Menzies Airport Worker Strike: Union Alleges Coercion

The Portuguese Transport Workers’ Union (Sttamp) today accused Menzies, formerly known as Groundforce, of coercing workers in Lisbon and Porto not to participate in a strike by offering them the promise of permanent employment. However, Menzies has denied these allegations.

Catarina Silva from Sttamp said in an interview.

The workers were coerced by their supervisors and direct managers. After giving advance notice of the strike, the company launched a program to transfer staff from temporary employment agencies to the company’s staff. In recent days, supervisors have told some colleagues not to join the strike.

The union structure has already filed a complaint with the Authority for Working Conditions (ACT) but stressed that fines of 5,000 euros are not going to harm companies.

When questioned by the media, Menzies, formerly known as Groundforce, refuted the union’s accusations. The company assured that the plan to integrate workers had already been implemented before the strike was announced.

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An official source from Menzies emphasized that the company remains committed to maintaining the quality of its services and improving working conditions for its employees.

Strike Participation and Worker Sentiment

The strike by Menzies airport workers saw a 50% turnout this morning, with no flights being canceled. However, the union expressed disappointment over the low participation rate among workers at the handling company.

Catarina Silva said that the strike adherence did not undergo significant changes this afternoon and that she understands that workers feel like they are on a tightrope. Menzies also confirmed that there were no flights canceled due to the strike.

Furthermore, workers at the ground handling company have called a two-day strike in protest against low wages and successive changes to working hours, according to a notice issued by the Sttamp union.

Future Actions and Union Response

Earlier today, Catarina Silva expressed her disappointment over the low participation in the strike, noting that those who did not participate were predominantly workers whose base salary falls below the minimum wage.

The union does not expect the company to respond to their demands, given that half of the workers have demonstrated satisfaction with their current conditions. Catarina Silva also mentioned that many of these workers were on leave and returned early and that the company is exceptionally providing snacks for those who decided not to participate in the strike.

She concluded by saying:

The plenary session was held and explanations were given. For now, the workers are showing that they are satisfied. This may change, as people will still join in the afternoon. Otherwise, the union considers its conscience to be completely clear. If they did not join, it is because they are happy, and if they are happy, there is nothing to be done.

ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal had issued a warning about the potential for flight cancellations due to the strike by Menzies (formerly Groundforce) workers at national airports.