Azores ground handling strike switches daily hours on 28 October
SATA Handling's partial strike runs from 21 October to 3 November across the Azores, with changing daily hours and a pledge to maintain minimum services.
The partial strike called by SITAVA and SINTAC at SATA Handling is scheduled from 21 October to 3 November 2026. The timetable has two phases, each involving a daily three-hour stoppage.
From 21 to 27 October, the announced strike hours are 07:30 to 10:30. From 28 October to 3 November, they move to 16:00 to 19:00, with all times given in local Azores time. Normal working arrangements are scheduled outside those periods.
The unions dispute the arbitration ruling setting minimum services, arguing that the requirements are disproportionate to a partial stoppage. Despite their objections and their intention to pursue legal challenges, they say they will comply with the services ordered.
The protest concerns the Regional Government's intention to fully privatise ground handling. The unions oppose the proposal because they consider the guarantees for workers insufficient. The dispute involves support services essential to air operations, giving it direct relevance to residents and visitors travelling around the archipelago.
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