Union Declares Strike at Portuguese Airports: Menzies Aviation Faces Criticism Over Handling of Dispute

SINDICATO DOS TRABALHADORES DOS TRANSPORTES DE PORTUGAL
Rua dos Vanzeleres 269 – 3 – 4100-484 Porto – 226096629 / 917950275 – geral@sttamp.org
www.sttamp.org

PRESS RELEASE

Following the strike notice issued by the Union – STTAMP – Sindicato dos Trabalhadores dos Transportes de Portugal regarding major Portuguese airport handling company – SPdH – Serviços Portugueses de Handling, SA, managed by the largest shareholder Menzies Aviation which will take place on 31 August and 1 September, we are issuing this press release to inform you of the expected disruption to flight handling operations to, from or with a stopover at all Portuguese airports.

On the 26 August, the Arbitration Court hearing was held to define the minimum services for the announced strike.

Yesterday, the Union’s services received the decision that was handed down, which is set out below.

IV – DECISION

In view of the above, the Arbitral Tribunal unanimously decides to define the minimum services to be complied with during the strike declared ‘Strike for the period between 00:00 on 31 August and 24:00 on 1 September 2024, in the terms set out below:

a) For all flights imposed by critical situations relating to the safety of people and property, including ambulance flights, emergency movements understood as declared flight situations, namely for technical or meteorological reasons and others which, by their nature, make flight assistance absolutely unavoidable;

b) For all military flights;

c) For all state flights, national or foreign;

d) For all flights which, at the time the strike began, were already underway according to their initial planning, and whose destination are national airports assisted by SPDH.

e) On both days – 31 August and 1 September 2024 – for the Azores, work must be provided to guarantee the first landing and take-off on the route between the mainland and the region, and for Madeira, the work required for the first landing and take-off between the mainland and the region must also be guaranteed. Madeira must also be guaranteed the necessary labour for the first landing and take-off between this region and the mainland, as well as the provision of labour for the first landing and take-off of the flight between the islands, specifically between Funchal and Porto Santo;

f) The trade unions must designate the workers needed to ensure the minimum services defined above no later than 48 hours before the start of the strike period, and SPdH – Serviços Portugueses de Handling, S.A. must do so if it is not informed of this designation in good time,

The use of strike workers is only legal if these minimum services cannot be provided by non-striking workers under normal working conditions.

The Union in line with its responsibility to inform and in solidarity with all passengers scheduled to travel on these days who may be affected by this stoppage, STTAMP would like to inform you that it regrets that it has been necessary to reach this point, despite the fact that it has tried in every way to find solutions with the company that would avoid this outcome, and has never shied away from dialogue.

It will be up to Menzies Aviation’s management to take full responsibility for this stoppage, because at no time did they present any alternative or proposal that could have prevented the strike.

28.08.2024

‘GATE lice’ is a derogatory term used in the air travel community to describe a certain group of passengers.

Here’s everything you need to know about what a gate louse is and why they are seen as a nuisance.

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What are gate lice?

People who crowd around boarding gates well before their designated boarding time are referred to by airline workers as ‘gate lice’.

The phenomenon has become increasingly common and can significantly impact the airport experience for both travelers and airline staff alike.

Gate lice behavior is characterized by passengers gathering near the boarding gate, often blocking access and creating congestion.

These individuals typically aim to be among the first to board the plane, despite having assigned seats.

The term has gained recognition among frequent flyers and airline employees, who often express frustration with this practice.

Shira Gabriel, a psychology professor at the University of Buffalo, told told The Washington Post: “People will do any weird thing if they think that’s the way to behave.

“When you see people lining up, getting ready, it makes you feel there’s a benefit for that”.

Causes

Several factors contribute to the gate lice phenomenon.

Some attribute this behavior to inexperienced travelers who may not fully understand airline boarding procedures.

The desire to secure overhead bin space for carry-ons is also believed to be a significant motivator — especially given baggage fees and concerns about lost luggage.

Queueing early can provide a sense of control and reduce stress for anxious travelers.

When people see others lining up, they tend to follow suit, believing it’s the correct behavior.

The phenomenon has reportedly increased following the Covid-19 pandemic, possibly due to heightened travel anxiety.

Psychologist Dr Audrey Tang told Metro.co.uk: “Queueing for boarding as soon as we are able to can help us to feel in control, which in turn makes us feel less stressed.”

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She added: “Maybe some people just like to be first, but it’s largely to do with keeping ourselves calm.”

Impact

Gate lice can negatively affect various aspects of the airport experience:

• Congestion: Crowding at gates can lead to confusion and difficulty moving through the boarding area
• Delayed boarding: The need to clear non-priority passengers from the boarding area can slow down the process for those with priority boarding
• Accessibility: Large crowds can make it challenging for passengers with mobility issues or those in wheelchairs to access the boarding area
• Stress: The competitive atmosphere created by gate lice can heighten anxiety for all travelers
• Inefficiency: The disorganized nature of early queuing can make the entire boarding process less efficient

Response

Airlines have implemented various strategies to address the gate lice problem.

Secret cabin crew phrases

Flight attendants have a special language they use to talk about passengers.

Here are some of the secret phrases used by pilots and cabin crew:

• Cropdusting: If a passenger is being very rude and difficult, then it’s not unheard of for a flight attendant to break wind and ‘cropdust’ past the offender.
• Code Adam: This is used by airport staff to alert other staff of a missing child, in honour of Adam Walsh, a child who was abducted in a department store in 1981.
• 7500: If a pilot squawks “7500” it means the plane has been hijacked, or a hijacking is a threat.
• Crosscheck: If you hear this phrase, usually made by senior cabin crew, it means that the emergency slides attached to each door have been deactivated.
• ABP: translates to ‘able bodied passengers’ — individuals that the crew seek out just in case of an emergency.
• Runners: Those who sprint from one connecting flight to another because their first flight was late.
• Spinner: Somebody who turns up late without an assigned seat, with crew dubbing them ‘spinners’ as they usually look flustered as they search for a seat and space in the overhead lockers.
• Blue juice: Refers to the liquid used to flush the contents of the plane loo.
• Crotch watch: What crew do to check you have got your seat belt fastened before takeoff and landing.

They have created dedicated lanes for elite fliers and introduced priority boarding programs for specific customer groups.

Some have even been testing new technologies to deal with the issue, such as American Airlines’ system that alerts gate agents when passengers attempt to board too early.

Recommendations

To avoid being labeled as a gate louse and contribute to a smoother airport experience, travelers should:

• Remain seated until their boarding group is called
• Stand away from the immediate gate area to avoid congestion
• Be aware of surroundings and respectful of other passengers’ space and boarding priorities
• Trust the assigned seating system and understand that boarding earlier doesn’t necessarily mean a faster departure

By being mindful of this type of behavior and its impact can contribute to a more pleasant and efficient airport experience for everyone.

As the air travel industry continues to evolve, finding solutions to this counterproductive conduct remains an ongoing challenge for airlines and passengers alike.

Leading male sexual abuse and rape charity, We Are Survivors, has today published it’s latest edition of it’s new quarterly magazine Beyond the Silence featuring cover star Barney Walsh.

In this latest edition, the charity formally launches it’s new support provision for the wives and husbands, girlfriends and boyfriends, mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, and all the loved ones of male victims/survivors with the ‘Supporter Safe Room’. The founder and Chief Executive Officer, Duncan Craig OBE, said:

“We’ve always provided 1:1 therapy support for those amazing and often unsung heroes – those that support male survivors; but after many conversations and much discussion with those loved ones, we’re now providing a safe space for them to meet together and hopefully find some strength in the same thing that survivors find it in… togetherness”.

The magazine also includes a feature on the ISVA team talking about the difference having an ISVA can make to a victims journey; highlights a new project the charity is leading on across Greater Manchester in build six new ABE interview suites in voluntary sector organisations which will give victim the opportunity to undertake their Police interview in a space they feel comfortable in and not necessarily have to go to a Police Station; and celebrates the work of the charity’s support of apprenticeships, including talking to one who picked up a number of awards along the way!

The cover star, Barney Walsh, talks about his preparation as an actor taking on a male survivor storyline that We Are Survivors has been supporting the BBC Casualty team on, and also includes work the organisation has done with Hollyoaks, Coronation Street and Eastenders.

As the organisation magazine ‘hits the shelves’, it also publicly notes 50% more active clients than previously, something the team welcomes and puts down to its work on TV in telling male survivor stores and showing silent survivors they exist.

COUPLES may want to rethink their sleeping arrangements when in a hotel room.

Dubbed “sleep divorce“, couples should try kipping in separate beds to get an incredible nights sleep on holiday.

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According to Hilton’s 2025 Travel Trends report, a shocking 37 per cent of tourists prefer to sleep in a separate bed from their partner during their travels.

The report also discovered that 63 per cent of travellers admitted to sleeping better alone.

On top of these figures, it is already known that travellers look to prioritise sleep on holiday, especially in the incredible comfort of a hotel room.

While some may enjoy the warm comfort of their partner beside them in bed, for the sake of getting the perfect nights sleep, it may be better to keep it separate.

In a viral TikTok trend, users are advocating for couples to sleep separately to get through your REM cycle in peace with no disturbance from your significant other.

One creator on the platform said: “There’s two things you need to know about me.

“One: sleep is very important to me, and two: I love my husband – in that order.”

On holiday, sleeping well in a hotel room is often not as easy as it might seem, no matter how comfy the bed is.

People get used to their own mattresses and duvets, and the slightest change to a sleep routine can keep a person up all night.

And especially with our generation that is swamped by distractions like social media, it has become increasingly important for hoteliers to come up with ways to make guests sleep more peacefully.

Large hotel chains are now using use sneaky ways to make you sleep better – including hi-tech gadgets and science-backed therapies.

One of the ways is to create a dream bedroom setup that comes with an atmosphere tailored for a perfect goodnight’s sleep.

Dr Stephani K. Robson, an expert in the psychology of hotel design, told a media outlet: ” Dark, quiet and cool are the specific elements guests need for a good night’s sleep.”

Hotels like Equinox in New York are now following the holy trinity to transform their bedrooms into “sleep chambers” for guests to have a deep sleep.

After attending a refreshing sleep spa session, guests can throw themselves on beds wrapped with natural linen that helps to sleep better.

And with just a press of a button, guests can change the entire room to get a perfect sleeping experience.

This includes studio-grade soundproofing, deep blackout blinds and a high-quality air purification system that ensures an optimum environment for a good sleep.

Chris Norton, CEO of Equinox Hotels, said: “Creating an atmosphere where your best night’s sleep is possible is the future of luxury hospitality.

“We have all stayed in a hotel room where there is an annoying blinking light or scratchy linens. We worked with sleep scientists to design rooms that function as ‘sleep chambers’, so sleep is built into the hardware of our rooms.”

And then comes the room’s temperature, perhaps the most important factor behind a good night’s sleep.

Experts believe that the optimal room temperature for a deep shuteye is been 16-18 degrees Celsius.

And along with the perfect temperature, it is important to have a lower body temperature for quality sleep.

However, it can be really tricky for hotels to maintain such a temperature throughout without using noisy air conditioners that can hamper sleep.

But FreshBeds, a Dutch manufacturing company, seems to have cracked a way.

They make beds that circulate purified air through the mattress, without making any noise.

This allows the guests to customise their sleep environment – and maintain the right levels of temperature with moisture to ensure a perfect sleeping experience.

Another way hotels make you sleep better is by creating what is now known across the industry as sleep cocoons.

These are designated sleeping rooms that come without any source of distraction, like a TV, standby lights that hurt your eyes and any mechanical machine that could possibly create noise.

These capsule-like rooms don’t even have windows to ensure distraction levels are at their lowest.

Some hotels, like Six Senses Ibiza, offer guests personalised biometric programs to help them sleep better – not only during their stay but also when they return back to their normal lives.

The hotel offers bedrooms equipped with advanced sensors that track all your biological movements, including the time you snore, the deepest phase of your sleep, dreams and so on.

The staff of the hotel then tracks and analyses all the reports from these scannings to create tailor-fit programs that include yoga nidra, sound therapy, cryotherapy, meditation and massage.

IF you want to go somewhere without anyone around, but enjoy a pint at the end of it, you’ll want to head to Kent.

Technically a small hamlet, the Isle of Harty has been dubbed an “island within an island”.

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On the Isle of Sheppy, it was once it’s own island separated by the Capel Fleet, although a road now goes over this.

It once had 90 locals on the island, although most have since moved away.

Now, it is favoured by both walkers and birdwatchers, being primarily a farming and wildlife area.

There is also the Isle of Harty trail is favoured by walkers and cyclists, being completely flat.

The hamlet has little in the way of attractions, but there is the award-winning pub the Ferry Inn.

The 16th century venue opened back in 2000, with its restaurant ebbing awarded 2AA Rosette dining and two “Taste of Kent” awards.

You can stay there too, dubbed one of Kent’s “best kept secrets” with both hotel rooms and self-carting cottages.

There is even a new dog exercise paddock as well as themed evens including Kitchen Garden open days and Winter Wellness special packages.

You can book it for Christmas and wedding events as well, with it becoming mainly an event space from 2026.

Otherwise there is the St Thomas the Apostle church, which has its annual Harty Flower festival.

One previous tourist said the church felt ” reminiscent of the opening scene to Great Expectations 

Another tourist raved about the island, saying: “Harty is a wonderful place to visit, so peaceful and far away from the crowds.”

The rest of the Isle of Sheppey is worth visiting too.

On the island is Elmley Nature Reserve, around an hour from London.

There are 3,300 acres of wildlife to explore, with birdwatching, bug-hunting and Land Rover 4×4 safari tours and even a private beach.

One person said it was like being in the “African savannah” while another said it was a “Disneyesque” experience.

A cheaper option Hart’s Holiday Park, with views of the River Swale and an indoor pool on-site.

Or there are a number of attractions such as the Eastchurch Aviation Museum and the Minster Abbey Gatehouse Museum.

To get to the island, there is The Sheppey Crossing bridge, with a four-lane road over the water.

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FRIEZE MASTERS, LONDON, UK– ‘The Forgotten Princess’ presented by David Aaron Ltd, will be the first public display in the UK of the extraordinary fully painted wooden polychrome inner sarcophagus of Princess Sopdet-em-haawt. Details of her discovery, provenance and lineage were only recently uncovered when the sarcophagus was opened for the first time in two centuries in 2014 during conservation.

This rare and remarkably preserved artefact will be showcased at FRIEZE Masters from October 9th to 13th, coming straight from its six-year stint in the MFAH, (The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston). 

The extensively decorated sarcophagus from the late 25^th-Early 26^th Dynasty, originates from Heracleopolis Magna, Egypt, most likely from the Theban necropolis at Sheikh Abd-el Qurna. Discovered in Saqqarah in 1832, it was first recorded by Robert Hay (1799-1863) in his field notebook, which is now kept in the British museum.

It entered the private French collection of Jules Xavier Saguez de Breuvery in 1834 and later passed through various private collections, including that of Monsieur Maffre de Baugé, until it was sold at Sotheby’s in New York in 2013.

The sarcophagus was opened for the first time in two centuries in 2014, not only revealing the incredible yellow and white highly inscribed interior but also priceless details of its discovery and provenance in the form of a handwritten pencil note from 1834.

One of the most iconic forms of ancient Egyptian art, characterized by vibrant colours, and distinct styling, the face of the princess features full lips, wide-set almond-shaped eyes, and slender tapering eyebrows. Topped with a voluminous tripartite wig of echeloned rectangular curls and a vulture headdress, the sarcophagus is painted with an idealised depiction of Princess Sopdet-em-haawt, adorned with symbols of royalty and protection.

Her coffin’s intricate decoration and well-preserved state provide invaluable insights into the workshops of the Theban area during the Late Period of ancient Egypt and allows us to accurately date the sarcophagus to the very end of the 25^th or, the beginning of the 26^th Dynasty.

Salomon Aaron, Director of David Aaron Ltd, expressed his excitement about the exhibition, stating, “It is a unique privilege to represent the Coffin of Princess Sopdet-en-haawt. It truly is a once-in-a-lifetime object.”

This sarcophagus is a centrepiece of David Aaron’s display at FRIEZE Masters and presents a rare opportunity for visitors to engage closely with a piece of ancient history that has been meticulously preserved and studied.

ENDS
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About David Aaron

Originally established in 1910 in Iran, the gallery rose to prominence in the 1920s when Soleiman Haroon (1890-1976) opened a second showroom in Alexandria, Egypt. In 1980 the gallery relocated to London, and Soleiman’s youngest son, David Aaron, opened his own gallery on Berkeley Square in 1998.

David Aaron Ltd is now managed by the third and fourth generations of the Aaron family, with a showroom located at 25A Berkeley Square, London. The gallery specialises in Classical Greek and Roman, Egyptian, Near Eastern, and Islamic works of art, as well as important items of natural history, such as large-scale dinosaur fossils.

The gallery annually exhibits at highly vetted international art fairs (including Tefaf, Masterpiece, Frieze Masters, Frieze Seoul, Fine Art Asia, and Guardian Fine Art, among others) and over the past century has played an instrumental role in helping major museums and private collections acquire and research important antiquities. Notable sales have been made to The Metropolitan Museum of Art, J. Paul Getty Museum, Louvre Abu Dhabi, The Aga Khan Museum, David Collection of Islamic Art, Miho Museum, Glyptothek Munich, Yorkshire Museum, and Corning Museum, to name a few.

The gallery is also a member of IADAA (International Association of Dealers in Ancient Art) and ADA (Antiquities Dealers’ Association).

About Frieze Masters

Frieze Masters brings together thousands of years of art in a unique contemporary context, featuring masterpieces ranging from the ancient era to the late 20th century. The fair provides a bridge between historical art and contemporary practice, offering a distinctive space where art enthusiasts and collectors can explore and appreciate art history in dialogue with the present.