The Verdi union has initiated a significant strike action at Hamburg and Munich airports, beginning late Wednesday and lasting for 48 hours. Employees from various sectors, including security, passenger handling, and baggage services, have been called to participate. This action is part of a broader dispute over wages within the public sector, where Verdi is advocating for an 8% salary increase or a minimum of €350 more monthly.
The strike is expected to cause extensive disruptions, with Munich alone seeing over 80% of flights canceled, impacting major airlines like Lufthansa. Passengers have been advised to seek alternative transport, with airlines offering rebooking and cancellations. This labor unrest follows a similar strike earlier in the week at Düsseldorf and Cologne/Bonn airports, which led to substantial travel disruptions.
The ongoing conflict highlights the push for better compensation and working conditions for public service employees. Despite some progress in related negotiations, such as those with the Berlin Transport Company (BVG), where an increase in allowances and wages is being discussed, the threat of further strikes remains unless a satisfactory agreement is reached.
