The strike, which began early Thursday at Munich and Hamburg airports, continues until Saturday morning, affecting multiple airport services, including passenger check-in, baggage handling and IT operations.
At Munich Airport, the country’s second busiest air hub, the airline has cancelled about 1,300 of the 1,600 scheduled flights over two days. Airports that serve as important international connection points usually handle hundreds of thousands of passengers during this time frame.
Munich Airport Authority contacted the airline early to check flight status with passengers and advised them not to come to the airport completely if they were cancelled.
Hamburg Airport has scheduled around 600 flights during the strike and has had more than 50 cancellations so far, warning that delays and confusion are inevitable. The airport website advised passengers that “a significant operational impact is expected throughout the strike.”
The strike comes amid an escalating conflict between public sector workers and Ver.Di, representing government employers. The union is demanding federal and local government employees an 8% wage increase or a minimum monthly income of 350 euros ($366).
Strike actions were also planned in other public sectors, with similar strikes expected at hospitals in Erfurt, waste management facilities in Essen, port operations in Hamburg, sanitation services and municipal offices.
Government negotiators rejected the union’s request, citing current economic conditions and budget constraints. The next round of talks is scheduled for March 14th-15th.
MP/