German airports brace for chaos as workers strike nationwide
Travellers planning to depart from or arrive in Germany on Monday, 10th March, should brace themselves for significant disruptions. A general strike by airport workers is expected to cause serious disturbances at the country's 11 largest airports.
On 10th March, the German trade union Ver.di (Vereinte Dienstleistungsgewerkschaft) is urging airport workers, along with around 23,000 ground handling staff, to participate in a day-long warning strike. This action will lead to severe restrictions on departures and arrivals, including the cancellation of some flights.
Employees bear responsibility for safety
"We feel compelled to undertake this warning strike because the employers have yet to make any offers in the ongoing collective negotiations for public sector employees and have not shown willingness to meet our justified demands," said Christine Behle, deputy chairwoman of the Ver.di trade union. "Airport workers perform essential duties to ensure the smooth operation of air traffic and bear significant responsibility for the safety of all passengers. They also deserve fair pay and better working conditions."
The trade union, demanding an eight per cent wage increase or at least a raise of €350 (£300) monthly, decided to announce the warning strike after the second round of collective negotiations ended in failure last month.
Employers have dismissed these demands as unfeasible. Negotiations are set to continue from 14th to 16th March in Potsdam.
Which airports will be striking?
The union announced its protest well in advance, allowing air passengers to factor in any inconveniences in their travel plans.
The airports affected by the strike on 10th March are: Munich, Stuttgart, Frankfurt am Main, Cologne/Bonn, Düsseldorf, Dortmund, Hanover, Bremen, Hamburg, Berlin-Brandenburg, and Leipzig-Halle. Passengers travelling through these airports should be prepared for flight delays and cancellations.
"We apologise for the inconvenience caused to passengers by the strike. However, without the pressure exerted through the protest action, there will be no progress in negotiations. That is why we are informing you today so that travellers can prepare for the restrictions in good time," said Christine Behle.
