More travel chaos? Portuguese airport workers unions propose August strikes

In more bad news for travel chaos, Portuguese civil aviation employees have threatened to go on a three-day strike in late August in a dispute over pay and higher working conditions.

The strike is ready to happen from 19 August to 21 August, which is ready to be an unusually busy summer season weekend for travel, the Portugal’s Civil Aviation Staff’ Union (SINTAC) and the Business Aviation Workers Union (SQAC) mentioned in a joint assertion.

The unions have accused ANA – the airport conglomerate that manages 10 airports in Portugal together with in Lisbon, Porto and Faro – and French group Vinci, which controls ANA, of not paying employees first rate wages, regardless of making multi-million euro internet income.

They’ve additionally demanded that ANA and Vinci undertake “pressing” measures to make sure employees really feel protected whereas doing their jobs.

In a press release, ANA mentioned it regretted the unions’ resolution to strike, as salaries had been reviewed in April and bonuses got to employees.

“ANA will proceed to advertise dialogue with social companions and can proceed the continuing negotiation,” the airport operator mentioned.

The unions symbolize cabin crew in addition to floor dealing with providers and different firms associated to the aviation sector.

The proposal is the newest in a collection of walkouts at a time Europe’s transport sector continues to battle dealing with a return to journey after the Covid lockdowns and the elevated demand in journey.

Spanish airline workers have also threatened Ryanair with industrial action this month, additionally demanding increased pay and higher working circumstances.

In the meantime, UK holidaymakers have been hit by a series of rail strikes during the summer holidays, some at weekend which can be sometimes standard for staycations within the nation.

Yesterday, British Airways stopped selling short-haul flights from Heathrow airport for at the least per week resulting from a cap on every day passenger numbers imposed over the summer season.