Holidaymakers face added travel disruption in Portugal as airport workers and ground handling staff threaten to strike. The potential three-day walkout is planned to start on August 19 in a dispute over pay and working conditions.
The country's Civil Aviation Workers’ Union (SINTAC) and Commercial Aviation Staff Union (SQAC) represent cabin crew, ground handling services and staff employed in the aviation sector. The strike threat covers one of the busiest summer weekend's for travel and is the latest blow for UK holidaymakers who have experienced weeks of airport chaos across Europe.
Unions have accused airport operator ANA – which manages 10 hubs in Portugal including Faro, the gateway to popular Algarve tourist region – of failing to offer staff subsequent wage increases, despite huge profits.
