Multiple flights have been canceled across Germany as airport workers participate in a nationwide strike over pay concerns, causing significant disruptions for air travelers. The strike, led by the Verdi trade union, began unexpectedly at Hamburg Airport on Sunday and expanded to affect major hubs like Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin. Passengers have been advised against traveling to airports as operations have been severely impacted. Frankfurt Airport, the busiest in Germany, warned that passengers would not be able to board flights and transfers would likely be affected. Verdi, representing public sector and transport workers, is in a dispute over wages and working conditions. According to German media, thousands of flights could be canceled, affecting over 500,000 passengers. Lufthansa, with its main hub in Frankfurt, confirmed delays and extensive cancellations across all its airlines, while Munich Airport warned of a greatly reduced flight schedule. Hamburg Airport where all 143 departures on Monday have been canceled, expressed disappointment with Verdi’s decision to call a strike without notice during the holiday season. While accepting the impact of the strike on many, a Verdi spokesperson defended the industrial action as necessary to achieve a better offer from employers. In addition to airports, Verdi has also called for strikes in waste collection across several German cities. The union is demanding an 8% pay increase for airport workers, along with higher bonuses and extra time off. Employers have rejected these demands as unaffordable. Further strikes are expected in facilities operated by the federal government and local authorities, and the next round of talks is scheduled for Friday in Potsdam.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce8v6len093o