Police at Lisbon Airport are threatening more protests that could disrupt operations unless the government addresses what they describe as “exhausting” and “demotivating” working conditions.
The Trade Union Association of Police Professionals (ASPP/PSP) announced plans to continue holding protests after a rally at Lisbon Airport this Tuesday that drew around 100 officers. The group says it will continue pressuring authorities until real changes are made.
“If the government doesn’t start providing answers to solve the problems, we’re going to insist on union meetings (plenários) that have an impact on the operation of the airport,” ASPP president Paulo Santos told Lusa.
He confirmed another large meeting is already planned for December, around Christmas, bringing together officers from air border units across the country.
Santos said police stationed at Lisbon airport are “totally exhausted and demotivated”, denouncing “lack of staff, lack of resources, lack of equipment and pressure to control people”.
He also complained of the “brutal disregard for working conditions” endured by airport police and demanded fairer pay and the same airport supplement previously granted to former SEF border inspectors.
According to Santos, the government recently gave the PSP 100 days to speed up border checks, a move he says “devalues the security component” of their job. Officers are also frustrated by being denied transfers to other PSP units.
The union insists it will “continue the fight” until the government responds.
