Nationwide Strike Grounds Flights Across Germany Amid Pay Disputes

A nationwide strike initiated by the Verdi trade union has led to widespread flight cancellations across major German airports, affecting over 500,000 passengers. The industrial action stems from ongoing disputes over wages and working conditions, with further disruptions expected throughout the week.

Hundreds of flights have been cancelled across Germany due to an unexpected nationwide strike by airport workers, causing significant upheaval for travelers. The industrial action, spearheaded by the Verdi trade union, commenced at Hamburg Airport on Sunday and quickly spread to major airports throughout the country. Passengers at key hubs like Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin have been advised to avoid traveling to the airports as operations have been severely hampered.

Frankfurt Airport, distinguished as Germany's busiest, announced that travelers would be unable to board flights, with transfer services "almost certainly" impacted. Verdi's ongoing dispute over pay and working conditions has led to media reports estimating that thousands of flights could be cancelled, disrupting plans for more than 500,000 passengers.

Lufthansa, which operates primarily out of Frankfurt, acknowledged "delays and extensive cancellations" across its network, while Munich Airport issued warnings about a "dramatically reduced flight schedule." Katja Bromm, the spokeswoman for Hamburg Airport, criticized the sudden call for a strike, describing it as "dishonourable," especially at the onset of the holiday season. She argued that the strike was excessive and unfair to countless travelers who are not involved in the ongoing disputes.

A Verdi representative recognized the strike's impact but asserted that such disruptions are vital for securing a more favorable offer from employers. In total, many of Frankfurt's 1,770 scheduled flights have already been scrapped, with a similar fate expected for the majority of Munich's 820 flights. Additional cancellations are anticipated across other cities including Stuttgart, Dusseldorf, Cologne, and Berlin. Passengers have reported difficulties reclaiming checked luggage amidst the chaos.

Beyond aviation, Verdi has initiated strikes in waste collection in various German cities, including Berlin, Essen, and Kiel, where trash has remained uncollected since last week. The union seeks an 8% salary increase for airport staff, or a minimum of €350 more per month, as well as higher bonuses and additional time off. However, employers have dismissed these requests as unaffordable.

Further industrial action is anticipated throughout the week in facilities operated by the federal and local government, according to a spokesperson for Verdi. The next negotiations are scheduled for Friday in Potsdam.