An ongoing strike by German airport security staff over pay has resulted in hundreds of flight cancellations at eight airports across Germany, including one of Europe’s most busy large airports, Frankfurt Airport.
Verdi, an German trade union, reported that the strike would last from 02.00am until 8.00pm GMT+1 (European time). Reports indicate that walkouts also occurred at the Munich, Dresden and Erfurt airports, as well as others.
Verdi/ Twitter/ Security staff striking
Reuters reports that smaller airports such as Hamburg, Hanover and Bremen also experienced strike action which started in the early hours of the morning, with security staff putting down their tools at midnight.
The strikes are related to four unsuccessful collective bargaining negotiations between BDLS and Verdi.
According to the Germany airport association ADV, an estimated 220 000 passengers could be affected by possible delays and cancellations due to the strike.
The lack of a security presence means that many airports will have to cancel flights as a precaution for passenger safety. Travellers in the European country are advised to check with their airlines to see if they are affected.
Operator for Frankfurt Airport Fraport expects that 1 200 connections will be negatively affected by the strike action.
Due to a strike at @Airport_FRA today: Security checks outside the transit area will not be staffed until 8pm and passengers will not be able to reach flights during the strike period. Please contact your airline for further informations. pic.twitter.com/RPD9bzIFwK
— Frankfurt Airport (@Airport_FRA) January 15, 2019
Airport security workers strike at Frankfurt Airport #solidarity @_verdi pic.twitter.com/y0gdTWoOWU
— Mark Bergfeld (@mdbergfeld) January 15, 2019
Lufthansa has issued an official statement encouraging travellers to be aware of possible changes.
‘Due to a strike by the security staff at the airport, Lufthansa Group flights to and from Frankfurt will be considerably impaired next Tuesday, January 15. Please inform yourself about the status of your flight.’
+++ Current flight information +++
Flight schedule disrupted by strike by German airport security staff on Tuesday, 15. January. Please click here for further details: https://t.co/v5bFU1zbOK.— Lufthansa (@lufthansa) January 14, 2019
A reported 500 Lufthansa flights, 28 of which are intercontinental, will be cancelled. 100 flights, mainly domestic, were cancelled in Germany’s second-largest airport, Munich.
Verdi says that the strike action is due to continue as long as there are failed collective bargaining negotiations between BDLS. The union currently represents 23 000 workers who are frustrated with their current salary, demanding an overall increase.
Picture: Twitter/ Frankfurt Airport
