The Metallurgical and Related Industries Union (SIMA) has issued a new strike notice at Menzies (formerly Groundforce) that will run from September 3 to January 2, 2026, covering all national airports.

According to the strike notice, the strikes by workers at the company responsible for ground handling services will take place during alternating periods between September 3 and January 2, 2026, including long weekends and busy dates, such as Christmas and New Year's Day.

Among the demands, the union demands an end to base salaries below the national minimum wage, payment for night shifts, the maintenance of rights such as access to parking, and compliance with the previously signed memorandum of understanding.

Furthermore, the union states that the existence of base salaries below the national minimum wage, which stands at 870 euros, goes "contrary to what TAP, as a shareholder of the company, considered in a letter sent to SPDH/Menzies, in which it considers this situation to be illegal."

This new notice from SIMA comes after strikes held in July and August and the suspension of work stoppages scheduled for the end of August, following contacts with the Ministry of Labour. Menzies, for its part, assured that the cancellation of the recent strikes "was not the result of any agreement, negotiation, or concession," asserting that its position "remains unchanged" and that there were no changes to the commitments made until 2029.

The union also states that for the strike announced in the recent notice, "workers will ensure the services necessary for the safety and maintenance of equipment and facilities." Therefore, SIMA believes that, given the current circumstances, particularly the number of workers covered by the notice issued and its widespread publicity, it is only necessary to ensure the minimum services previously listed.

According to an official union source, these workers represent approximately 4% of Menzies' approximately 3,600 employees. The first strike will take place from midnight on September 3rd until midnight on September 9th, followed by another strike from September 12th to 15th, from September 19th to 22nd, and from September 26th to 28th.

In October, strikes are scheduled from October 3rd to 6th, 10th to 13th, 17th to 20th, 24th to 27th, and 31st to 3rd. Further strikes will follow from November 7th to 10th, 14th to 17th, 21st to 24th, 28th to 1st, 5th to 8th, and 12th to 15th. The final strike is scheduled from December 19th to January 2nd, 2026.