A major disruption in air travel has been reported as workers have initiated a strike at 13 different airports across Germany. The strike, which began at midnight, involves public-sector employees at the airports, alongside ground and security staff. The impact of the 24-hour walkout has resulted in the cancellation of the majority of flights in the affected airports, including the Frankfurt and Munich hubs, as well as other key destinations in the country. German news agency dpa revealed that at Frankfurt Airport, a staggering 1,054 out of 1,116 scheduled flights were cancelled. Additionally, all regular departures and arrivals at Berlin Airport were suspended, with Hamburg Airport also declaring the impossibility of any departures taking place.
The ver.di service workers union orchestrated this strike, focusing on a range of airports besides Frankfurt and Munich. These include Hamburg, Bremen, Hannover, Berlin, Dusseldorf, Dortmund, Cologne/Bonn, Leipzig/Halle, Stuttgart, Munich, Weeze, and Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden airports. The strike was announced by the union on Friday as part of ongoing wage negotiations calling for a new pay and conditions contract for airport security workers, and a broader dispute over pay for federal and municipal government employees. It has been noted that the Cologne/Bonn, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, and Munich airports have already experienced walkouts due to the latter dispute.
The sudden strike action aimed to enforce the union’s demands and apply pressure on employers to meet their requirements. Despite the inconvenience caused to travellers, the union sees these strikes as crucial in pushing for fair compensation and conditions for workers. The impact of the strike has been widespread, affecting not only major airports but also smaller ones such as Weeze and Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden. With negotiations on the horizon for both sets of employees involved in the disputes, there is hope for a resolution that satisfies the demands of the workers while also ensuring minimal disruption for passengers.
The timing of the strike, following the recent walkouts at select airports, underscores the urgency and determination of the union members to secure favourable outcomes in their negotiations. As airports grapple with the ramifications of the strike, passengers are advised to stay informed of any developments and to make alternative travel arrangements where necessary. The strike serves as a reminder of the pivotal role that airport workers play in ensuring the smooth operation of air travel and highlights the importance of fair labour practices in the industry. As discussions continue between the union and airport authorities, stakeholders remain hopeful for a swift and amicable resolution to the ongoing disputes.