Hamburg, Germany – Airports across Germany are experiencing mass cancellations of flights due to a sudden nationwide strike organized by the trade union Verdi in response to disputes over wages and working conditions. The strike, which began unexpectedly at Hamburg Airport on Sunday, has since spread to major hubs like Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin, causing significant disruptions for air travelers.
Passengers have been advised to avoid traveling to airports where operations have been severely affected. Frankfurt Airport, the busiest in Germany, has announced that passengers will be unable to board flights, and transfers will be significantly impacted. Lufthansa, with its main hub in Frankfurt, confirmed widespread delays and cancellations, emphasizing the scale of the disruption across all its airlines.
The strike, which reportedly aims to push for better offers from employers, has already led to the cancellation of hundreds of flights, affecting over 500,000 passengers. The union is demanding an 8% pay increase for airport workers, along with higher bonuses and additional time off, while employers have thus far rejected these demands as financially unsustainable.
Amid the chaos, many passengers who had already checked in their luggage are facing challenges in getting it back. The strike has also halted air traffic at Hanover Airport and triggered disruptions in waste collection in various cities across Germany. Verdi has called for strikes in cities like Berlin and Essen, underscoring the widespread impact of the industrial action beyond airports.
Despite the inconveniences caused by the strike, Verdi remains firm in its stance, emphasizing the need for disruption to advance the workers’ cause. Further strikes are anticipated in facilities operated by the federal government and local authorities, with talks between the union and employers scheduled for later in the week.
As tensions continue to escalate, the strike serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by workers in the aviation and public sectors in Germany. The impact of the industrial action is not only felt by travelers but also reverberates throughout the country, highlighting the importance of resolving labor disputes in a timely and fair manner to prevent widespread disruptions in the future.