Airport workers in Germany are striking, leading to widespread flight cancellations. This action, initiated by the trade union Verdi, started at Hamburg Airport on Sunday and quickly expanded nationwide.
Flight operations have been seriously affected at major airports, including Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin. Frankfurt Airport, the busiest in the country, is unable to accommodate travelers, and passengers are advised to avoid the airport altogether.
This strike aims to address ongoing disputes over wages and working conditions. Reports suggest that thousands of flights could be canceled, impacting the travel plans of over 500,000 passengers. Lufthansa, the leading airline, has confirmed that delays and cancellations are widespread across its services.
At Hamburg Airport, all 143 planned departures for Monday have been canceled. A spokesperson criticized the sudden strike, calling it unfair to travelers who are not part of the dispute. Yet, Verdi’s representatives stand by their decision, stating that disruption is essential to push for better compensation from employers.
Many flights at Frankfurt, Munich, Stuttgart, Dusseldorf, and other airports are being grounded. Passengers are facing difficulties, including issues retrieving checked luggage, as reports indicate that Hanover Airport is also experiencing complete standstill.
Beyond aviation, Verdi is advocating for strikes in waste collection in various cities, highlighting broader labor concerns. The union is asking for an 8% pay increase for airport workers, or at least €350 more per month, along with improved bonuses and additional time off. Employers have deemed these requests unaffordable so far.
Further strikes are anticipated in facilities run by the federal and local governments this week. New negotiations are planned for Friday in Potsdam as both sides seek a resolution.
Check out this related article: Unexpected Disruption at Hamburg Airport: Major Walkout Looms at 12 More German Hubs
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