The industrial action, initiated by the Verdi trade union, commenced unexpectedly at Hamburg Airport on Sunday and quickly escalated into a nationwide strike affecting major airports, including Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin. Passengers have been advised to avoid traveling to airports as operations have been severely impacted, with Frankfurt, the country's busiest airport, announcing that many flights cannot be boarded and transfers are likely to be affected.
Verdi is advocating for better pay and working conditions amidst an ongoing dispute, calling for an 8% wage increase or at least €350 more monthly, along with additional bonuses and time off. The union has faced criticism for organizing the strike without advance notice, especially as it coincides with holiday travel.
According to reports, around 500,000 travelers are likely to be impacted, with Lufthansa confirming "delays and extensive cancellations" affecting all its flights. Hamburg Airport reported all 143 departures scheduled for Monday have been cancelled, while Munich Airport warned travelers of a significantly reduced flight schedule.
Frustrations mounted as many passengers, some who had already checked in luggage, struggled to retrieve their belongings amid the strike. In addition, the strike's effects extended beyond the airports, as Verdi has also initiated strikes in waste collection services across various German cities, including Berlin and Essen.
While Verdi acknowledges the disruption caused to travelers, the union insists that such measures are essential for securing a better offer from employers, who as of now have deemed the union's wage demands as financially unfeasible. More strikes are anticipated later in the week within facilities run by the federal government and local authorities. The next negotiations are scheduled for Friday in Potsdam, raising hopes for a resolution.
Verdi is advocating for better pay and working conditions amidst an ongoing dispute, calling for an 8% wage increase or at least €350 more monthly, along with additional bonuses and time off. The union has faced criticism for organizing the strike without advance notice, especially as it coincides with holiday travel.
According to reports, around 500,000 travelers are likely to be impacted, with Lufthansa confirming "delays and extensive cancellations" affecting all its flights. Hamburg Airport reported all 143 departures scheduled for Monday have been cancelled, while Munich Airport warned travelers of a significantly reduced flight schedule.
Frustrations mounted as many passengers, some who had already checked in luggage, struggled to retrieve their belongings amid the strike. In addition, the strike's effects extended beyond the airports, as Verdi has also initiated strikes in waste collection services across various German cities, including Berlin and Essen.
While Verdi acknowledges the disruption caused to travelers, the union insists that such measures are essential for securing a better offer from employers, who as of now have deemed the union's wage demands as financially unfeasible. More strikes are anticipated later in the week within facilities run by the federal government and local authorities. The next negotiations are scheduled for Friday in Potsdam, raising hopes for a resolution.
