The Union of Airport Agents (SITAVA) has estimated that the strike of employees of security companies has a significant impact for the coming days, calling for delays in flights and even cancellations.
Delays and cancellations until Monday evening
"Most of the travelers are assigned in the morning, the majority of flights are scheduled for the first part of the day, but the effect will be present until end of the day," said Paulo Alexandre, SITAVA union leader.
The airport security officers of the private companies Prosegur and Securitas require better working conditions and have voted this strike.
Paulo Alexandre said that the main demand of the strikers is the signing of an agreement for collective reunification for these companies, chose "which has already been done by the Association of Security Societies (AES)" according to him.
"The government has made a proposal with the AES does not accept the conditions proposed by the union SITAVA, but this remains uncompromising and for that we decided to go on strike," said the trade unionist.
Friday ANA (Aéroports de Portugal) warned of possible delays in security screening procedures at national airports due to this strike.
"ANA (Aéroports de Portugal) inform passengers that the reason for the strike is announced for security companies and the sharp increase in traffic recorded in recent months, the security screening procedures at national airports more time than 'usually,' said the airport manager in a statement.
Airports advise passengers to come early
In the note, the company advised passengers to present at the airport "in advance and to follow the instructions transmitted by their airline, tour operator or travel agency".
The company also suggested that passengers "check their luggage to reduce the number of items to be checked in carry-on baggage".
He was also lamented "the possible embarrassment opportunity", ensuring that he "presents everything possible to reduce the impacts that the strike could cause".
A new strike for the New Year?
SITAVA leader Paulo Alexandre also said that, in addition to this closure, security procedures at airports are disrupted on 1 January.
"There is no strike, but there may be delays and more complex things, many people do not even come to work," he said.