BERLIN, 7 March 2025 (BSS/AFP) – Significant disruptions are expected at German airports on Monday as a major services union has announced strike action in a bid to secure better pay for ground staff.
The industrial action will affect airports in Frankfurt and Berlin, along with key hubs in Bremen, Cologne, Dortmund, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Hanover, Leipzig, Munich, and Stuttgart.
The ver.di union confirmed on Friday that it is calling upon public sector workers, as well as approximately 23,000 employees of ground handling service providers, to stage a full-day warning strike on 10 March.
“There will be severe disruptions to departures and arrivals, including flight cancellations,” ver.di stated in a press release.
“We regret the inconvenience that this strike will cause for passengers,” said the union’s deputy chair, Christine Behle. “However, without the pressure of industrial action, there will be no progress in negotiations.”
She added, “That is why we are informing travellers in advance, so they have ample time to prepare for the disruptions.”
Union’s Pay Demands
The strike is part of ongoing negotiations in which ver.di is demanding an eight percent salary increase or at least €350 (£300) more per month for affected workers. The union is also calling for higher bonuses for roles involving particularly strenuous activities.
The union asserted that it had no choice but to escalate the situation. “We are being forced to take this step because employers have yet to present an offer in the ongoing collective bargaining negotiations for public sector employees. So far, they have shown no willingness to meet our legitimate demands,” the statement read.
Potential Impact on Travellers
The planned strike is expected to cause widespread flight cancellations and delays, affecting both domestic and international routes. Passengers travelling on Monday are advised to check with their airlines and consider alternative travel arrangements where possible.
Germany has witnessed a wave of industrial action in recent months, particularly in the transport sector, as workers push for improved pay and working conditions amid rising inflation.
This latest action follows similar strikes by public transport workers, rail employees, and airline cabin crew, all seeking better wages in response to the increased cost of living.
With negotiations still ongoing, further strikes cannot be ruled out if an agreement is not reached.