A 24-hour strike by airport workers in Germany has caused unprecedented disruptions across the country's major airports. Frankfurt Airport, the busiest hub, saw 94% of its flights canceled on Monday, affecting hundreds of thousands of passengers. The strike, initiated by the service workers union ver.di, targets not only aviation staff but also public-sector employees, leading to severe operational issues at multiple airports including Munich, Berlin Brandenburg, and others. This action is part of ongoing negotiations for better wages and working conditions.

Widespread Flight Cancellations Across Major Hubs

The impact of the strike has been felt most acutely at Frankfurt Airport, where over 1,000 flights were canceled, leaving travelers stranded. Passengers have been advised against traveling to the airport due to the extensive cancellations. Similarly, Munich Airport faced significant disruptions, while Berlin Brandenburg suspended all regular flights. Airlines like Lufthansa expressed concern over the situation, with executives calling for cooperation rather than confrontation.

The strike began at midnight on Monday and immediately led to chaos. Frankfurt Airport, which handles a large volume of international traffic, experienced the brunt of the disruption. According to reports, 94% of the day’s scheduled flights were canceled, affecting over 31,000 seats between Germany and the US alone. Other major hubs such as Munich and Berlin also suffered severe operational setbacks. The airport authorities have issued warnings to passengers, urging them to stay away from the terminals to avoid further complications. The CEO of Lufthansa, Jens Ritter, voiced his concerns about the strike's impact on air travel, emphasizing the need for dialogue and collaboration to resolve the disputes.

Union Demands and Negotiation Stalemate

The strike is a response to two separate labor disputes: one involving airport security workers and another concerning public-sector employees. The service workers union ver.di has called for an 8% pay increase, along with additional benefits and improved working conditions. For aviation security workers specifically, the union seeks enhanced occupational health and safety measures, extended holiday entitlements, and increased bonuses.

The union's demands include a minimum monthly raise of 350 euros, higher bonuses for shift work, and three extra days off annually. Additionally, they are pushing for restrictions on fixed-term contracts, arguing that many aviation security specialists are hired on short-term agreements, leading to job instability. Ver.di chairman Frank Werneke emphasized the union's determination, stating that they will continue to assert their demands during the upcoming negotiations. The strike serves as a warning to public employers, highlighting the union's commitment to achieving fairer terms for its members. As talks are set to resume later this week, the situation remains tense, with potential for further disruptions if an agreement is not reached.