Munich Airport Shutdown: Thousands of passengers face disruptions as Verdi union calls for two-day work stoppage, demanding improved conditions and pay increases for workers.
The Verdi union has called for a two-day work stoppage at Germany’s second-largest airport, Munich Airport, which is expected to last until midnight on Friday. This industrial action has resulted in hundreds of flight cancelations, affecting passengers and airlines alike.
Located in Oberföhring, a district of Munich, Germany, 'one of the world's leading airports.' It serves as a major hub for Lufthansa and its partner airlines. The airport has two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, with a total of 115 gates. In 2020, it handled over 47 million passengers, making it the second-busiest airport in Europe after 'London Heathrow.' Munich Airport is also known for its efficient transfer system, which allows passengers to connect quickly between flights.
The Verdi union is demanding improved conditions for workers in Germany’s public sector, both locally and nationally. The main demands include an 8% pay increase, which would translate to at least €350 ($366.7) more per month for workers. Additionally, the union is seeking higher bonuses for jobs that are particularly stressful and more days off.
Only 100 of the scheduled 830 departures and arrivals were able to go ahead as planned on Thursday, according to a Munich Airport spokesperson cited by France’s AFP news agency. The strike has caused significant disruptions to air traffic, with many passengers facing cancellations or delays.
The Verdi union‘s public sector strike is not limited to Munich Airport. Workers at Hamburg Airport also went on strike, while employees at Cologne/Bonn and Düsseldorf airports in North-Rhine Westphalia state went on strike on Monday.
The strike has also halted cargo ship traffic at the port of Hamburg, with transfer boats that bring pilots to large container ships being shut down. However, ships that do not require pilots can continue to travel to and from the port. The Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) expects ship traffic to resume on Friday morning if the strike is not extended.
The next round of talks between employers and the Verdi union is scheduled for March 14. Until then, passengers are advised to check with their airlines for updates on flight schedules and any potential disruptions caused by the strike.
