Menzies denies talks to cancel airport strike

Menzies (formerly Groundforce) said this Sunday that it had not made “any agreement, negotiation or concession” to withdraw the strike notice issued by the Metallurgical and Related Industries Union (SIMA) at airports.

At issue is a letter sent by the union on Wednesday to Menzies, in which it was stated that the members would not go on strike again as a result of the “understanding that existed between the SIMA Trade Union Committee and the company's representatives at the Ministry of Labor, Solidarity and Social Security with the representatives of the ministry”.

The handling company said that while it was pleased with the cancellation of the strike, it was “not the result of any agreement, negotiation or concession.”

Its position, he added, quoted by the Lusa news agency, “remains unchanged and there has been no change in the terms, commitments or agreements already in force until the end of 2029”.

“Menzies remains committed to constructive dialogue, conducted in good faith, and to fulfilling the agreements formally negotiated and signed with our partners, including SIMA,” a statement read.

The company guarantees that it is “a great place to work” and that the strikes that have already occurred “have had minimal impact”.

The cancellation announced by the union on Wednesday came after strikes were held from July 25 to 28 and August 8 to 11, to demand an end to base salaries below the minimum wage, better salaries and the payment of night shifts, among other demands.