Nationwide Strike Grounds Flights Across 13 German Airports

A nationwide strike led by the Verdi trade union is causing significant disruption at 13 major German airports, including Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin. The industrial action, which began on March 10, is a response to stalled negotiations for better pay, with workers demanding an 8% salary increase, higher bonuses, and additional vacation days. This has resulted in the cancellation of thousands of flights, leaving over 500,000 travelers affected, and has led to significant delays and uncertainty across Europe’s aviation network. Major airlines, including Lufthansa and Vueling, are struggling to adjust their schedules amidst the chaos, and nearby airports in Spain have reported numerous flight cancellations as a ripple effect. Verdi’s action is part of a broader effort to improve conditions for public sector employees, with similar disruptions also anticipated in waste collection services. The strike highlights ongoing tensions in labor negotiations in the aviation sector as employers resist the union's demands due to financial constraints.