Major German Airports Face Friday Strikes

A one-day strike will cause significant disruption to air travel from some of Germany's busiest international airports.

This strike, called Ver.di by the trade union, will see ground handling, public sector and aviation security workers walk out in early February 17th. The industrial action will end that evening.

Widespread action

Ver.di, known in full as the Vereinte Dienstleistungsgewerkschaft (United Services Trade Union), has called other strikes that have affected German airports in recent years. It is the second-largest trade union in Germany and its industrial action was announced this morning. This will cause significant disruption.

Ver.di released a statement detailing the affected airports. It was immediately apparent that Frankfurt and Munich are among Germany's major hubs. Walkouts will be held in Bremen, Dortmund and Hamburg as well as Hanover, Hanover, Stuttgart, and Hanover. Frankfurt Airport has advised passengers not to travel due to the potential disruption. Christine Behle, Ver.di's Christine Behle, explains:

"Inflation and high energy and food prices are driving most workers into an insecure situation. Many no longer know how to pay their rent and fill the fridge. They need significantly more money to make a living. Employers need to see that and react accordingly. You have to reward the good work of the employees and relieve them of the immense financial pressure."

Sometimes, strikes have been caused by talks regarding collective bargaining agreements being canceled. Ver.di explained that the strike was intended to be a warning of upcoming talks. They are scheduled to occur in one week, on February 22nd or 23rd.

Deutsche Welle explained that these negotiations will be the second round in talks it holds with employers from public-sector sectors. Ver.di hopes that if the warning strike this Friday has the desired effect it will stop the negotiations from concluding without a collective bargaining arrangement. Behle mentions:

"In the public sector, we are facing the second round of negotiations without an offer, and are demanding that the employers submit a negotiable offer on February 22nd/23rd."

Ver.di will ensure that aid flights to Turkey and Syria, following the earthquake, are not disrupted by the disruptions at Germany's busiest airports. It has drafted emergency service agreements that will allow for such work to continue to minimize disruption. These flights are mainly from Frankfurt Hahn which is unaffected.

This morning, the union made it a point to announce its strike to give passengers, airports, and airlines a few days’ notice to change their travel plans, if needed. This may not allow everyone to make their plans. As Hamburg Airport points out, cancellations and delays can be expected.

Source: simpleflying.com