According to journalists, more than 25,000 people will take part in the strike. Protests led to the cancellation of flights to Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt, and many other cities.
In Germany, airport security workers have announced that the goal of a large-scale strike they are holding on February 1 is to increase their pay. This was reported by Euronews.
According to the newspaper, more than 25,000 people are expected to take part in the strike, as they believe that the security sector should remain attractive as a workplace.
“Security in the airspace is expensive, but it is indispensable,” the strikers emphasize.
Local media note that Germany is already suffering from a shortage of skilled workers who are able to go to work on weekends and holidays. The situation will only get worse over time.
What the strikers demand
The German trade union Union Verdi, which is negotiating with the Federal Association of Aviation Security Companies (BDLS), has announced a strike by security personnel at the airports of Frankfurt, Berlin, Hamburg, Bremen, Hanover, Cologne, Dusseldorf, Leipzig, Dresden, Erfurt, and Stuttgart. The strike is aimed at passenger and freight transportation.
Security officials are now demanding:
- increase in salary by 2.8 euros per hour;
- increase in bonuses;
- payment for overtime hours.
How the strike will affect the country’s life
This large-scale strike, which began on Thursday, February 1, will effectively shut down 11 airports across the country.
Lufthansa, Germany’s flagship airline, has been severely affected, but urges travelers to stay home on February 1. In a statement, the airline said that there would be no access to the departure area at the airports, as the checkpoints would be closed. This means that passengers will not be able to pass the checks required for a legal flight. The airline also said that customers will be able to rebook tickets for free.
Austrian Airlines has warned that flights may be delayed. People are asked to follow the information on the airline’s official website.
Eurowings offers passengers to use rail transportation or wait for alternative flights.
Airport operations are expected to be disrupted at least from 3:00 a.m. on February 1 to 3:00 a.m. on February 2. Only Munich Airport was not affected by the strike.
As a reminder, more than 550 flights are canceled in Finland due to the February 1-2 strike. This happened against the backdrop of an updated labor market reform. It provides for a reduction in unemployment benefits. Meanwhile, the local population is against it.
