"[...] As there has been no negotiation development to date that would allow the strike to be called off, if it were to take place it would certainly cause severe constraints at national airports, particularly Porto and Lisbon, the effects of which are currently completely unpredictable", warned Sttamp in a statement.

Even so, the union guaranteed that there would be delays and "numerous flight cancellations" to all destinations operated by airlines assisted by SPdH - Portuguese Handling Services, such as TAP.

Sttamp also recommended that passengers with trips scheduled for the days of the strike confirm their travel with the services of their respective airlines.

Workers at the handling company SPdH (Groundforce) have called a strike for August 31 and September 1, in protest against low wages, among other demands, according to a notice issued last week.

The Sttamp issued a strike notice, which covers all national airports, "from 00:00 hours on August 31, 2024, until midnight on September 1, 2024".

The strike was called against "the existence of base salaries below the national minimum wage", and also protesting against "the systematic use of workers from temporary employment agencies" and "overtime in breach of the legal limits in force".

Sttamp also justified the strike by saying that "once again, regardless of the reason or origin that weakens the company", it will always be "the workers who foot the bill".

According to the notice, "the workers will ensure the services necessary for the safety and maintenance of equipment and facilities" and "the provision of the minimum services essential to meeting essential social needs".

Menzies Aviation announced in June that it had completed the acquisition of 50.1% in Groundforce Portugal, more than a year after the announcement of the agreement for the entry of the new shareholder, in March 2023.

In 2021, TAP filed for Groundforce's insolvency, in a process in which the provisional list of creditors indicated, at that time, around 154 million euros in debts. Subsequently, according to the plan, the recognised debts were set at 136.2 million euros.

Menzies plans an initial investment of 12.5 million euros in Groundforce.

Lusa contacted TAP to find out what the expected impact of the strike is and is awaiting a response.

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