Restructuring events
European Restructuring Monitor (ERM)
The restructuring events database contains factsheets with data on large-scale restructuring events reported in the principal national media and company websites in each EU Member State. This database was created in 2002.
The baggage handling company Groundforce, owned by the Portuguese national carrier TAP announced that it will discontinue its baggage handling operations at Faro airport from January 2011. This will result in the collective dismissal of 314 workers.
This decision was blamed on the high operating costs, the losses since 2007 and the high personnel costs. The management also mentioned as a reason for the closure the selling of the majority of the company's capital following a decision of the Competition Authority.
After having announced the collective dismissals, during a meeting with the Workers Commission, the company has decided to keep the jobs of one of the partners of the 15 couples employed at Faro who were originally going to be dismissed. Groundforce has also decided to keep the jobs of seven women who were pregnant, have recently given birth or were breastfeeding at the time of the announcement.
The company will also offer the opportunity to apply for positions in other companies within the TAP group for the dismissed workers. A compensation equivalent to 1.15 months of pay for each year of service has been offered to the affected employees. They will also be offered support in seeking and obtaining outplacement over a four-month period.
Eurofound (2010), Groundforce, Closure in Portugal, factsheet number 71242, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://apps.eurofound.europa.eu/restructuring-events/detail/71242.