Operations at airports across Germany have been severely impacted by a 24-hour strike action, as public sector workers, ground staff, and aviation security personnel walkout in demand of a collective wage deal.

The trade union Verdi is seeking an 8% pay increase, higher bonuses, and an additional three days off for nearly 2.5 million public sector workers. The strike comes after a second round of pay talks failed to yield a viable agreement, with the federal government and local municipalities rejecting Verdi’s proposals as financially unfeasible.

Hamburg airport was the first to be affected, with almost all flights canceled following an early and unannounced strike. The airport operator reported that workers suspended operations without prior notice, leading to the cancellation of nearly all flights. Passengers faced difficulties, as many had already checked in their luggage and struggled to retrieve it.

Frankfurt, Munich, Stuttgart, Cologne/Bonn, Düsseldorf, Dortmund, Hanover, Bremen, Berlin-Brandenburg, and Leipzig-Halle airports have also had flights canceled. The strike is expected to affect approximately 510,000 travelers. Lufthansa, the German aviation group, has warned of delays and extensive cancellations for flights to and from affected airports.

The strike action is part of Verdi’s ongoing push for better wages and working conditions for public sector workers in Germany. Further strikes are expected this week in facilities operated by the federal government and local authorities, with the next round of wage negotiations set for Friday in Potsdam, near the capital Berlin.

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/germany-flights-canceled-as-workers-strike-at-13-airports/a-71872529?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf