Amid deadlocked wage negotiations in the public sector, the Verdi union is planning a two-day warning strike at Munich Airport. This is set to begin at midnight on Thursday and last until Friday. Security checks and ground services are among those affected, which is expected to lead to significant disruptions to flight operations.
The current collective bargaining negotiations affect around 2,5 million employees in the federal and local public service. Verdi and the German Civil Service Federation (dbb) are demanding a wage increase of eight percent, but at least 350 euros more per month. In addition, the unions are demanding three additional days off and higher bonuses for particularly stressful jobs, for example in the health sector. The employers' side, represented by Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser and the President of the Association of Local Employers' Associations (VKA), Karin Welge, are warning of financial overload for local authorities and pointing to the strained budget situation of many cities and municipalities.
Impact of the strike on Munich Airport
Munich Airport is Germany's second-largest airport after Frankfurt and a central hub for international air traffic. The planned warning strike affects a low four-digit number of employees, including public service and ground handling employees. Manuela Dietz from Verdi emphasizes the importance of these employees: "Our colleagues at the airport make an indispensable contribution to the safety and reliability of air traffic - around the clock, whatever the weather." She also points to the increasing work intensification and the ongoing shortage of staff, which are placing considerable strain on employees. citeturn0search2
A spokesman for the airport said that they are in close contact with airlines and service providers to reduce the inconvenience for travelers as far as possible. Nevertheless, travelers are advised to find out about the status of their flight early and, if necessary, consider alternative travel options.
Similar industrial action has already taken place at other German airports. On Monday, one-day warning strikes partially paralyzed operations at Düsseldorf and Cologne/Bonn airports. In Düsseldorf, passengers had to expect massive flight cancellations and delays; numerous flights were cancelled. At Cologne/Bonn airport, the warning strike that has been ongoing since Sunday evening has led to significant disruptions in flight operations. According to airport information, 106 of the originally planned 168 passenger flights were cancelled.
Reactions from the employer side
The employers' side is concerned about the financial impact of the demands. Karin Welge, President of the VKA, stresses that the demanded pay increases and additional days off would mean additional costs totaling 14,88 billion euros for municipal employers. She describes this as "simply unmanageable" and incompatible with the current financial situation of many municipalities.
The previous rounds of negotiations have not produced any results. The next round of negotiations is planned for March 14-16 in Potsdam. Until then, further warning strikes and protests could follow in order to increase the pressure on the employers. Verdi boss Frank Werneke and dbb negotiator Volker Geyer have already announced nationwide actions if the employers do not submit a negotiable offer.
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