Portugal: Unionized ground staff plan industrial action, July 15-Aug. 1

Ground staff plan industrial action at airports in Portugal July 15-Aug.1; flight disruptions, processing delays likely.

Event

Ground staff affiliated with the Aviation and Airport Workers Union (Sitava) and employed by Groundforce Portugal are planning a work-to-rule action July 15-29 as part of a salary dispute. Workers will then launch a 72-hour total strike July 30-Aug. 1. Ground staff affiliated with the Transport Workers Union of Portugal (STTAMP) and the Airport Maintenance and Aviation Workers Union (STAMA) plan to walk out July 16-18.

Groundforce provides ground-handling services to Lisbon (LIS), Madeira (FNC), Porto (OPO), and Porto Santo PXO) airports. The strikes are likely to be well-observed. Unless averted, they could cause disruptions to flights at the affected facilities, particularly July 16-18 and July 30-Aug. 1. Passengers will likely experience longer waits for check-in, baggage claims, and boarding or alighting planes. The potential for disruptions could be exacerbated by higher-than-usual passenger numbers during the holiday season. Disruptions could start several hours before the planned strike time, and residual disruptions are possible into Aug. 2 as airport authorities work to clear any passenger and freight backlogs.

Advice

Confirm the status of flights scheduled to transit the affected airports July 15-Aug. 1. Do not check out of accommodation until onward travel is confirmed. Allow additional time to clear check-in and other passenger processing procedures.