Two-Day Warning Strike Planned at Munich Airport

Travelers at Munich Airport are advised to prepare for significant disruptions as a two-day warning strike is scheduled to take place on Thursday and Friday. The union Verdi has organized this action to exert pressure in ongoing wage negotiations within the public sector. Manuela Dietz from Verdi indicated that the strike would likely lead to serious operational challenges, affecting crucial services such as security checks and ground handling operations.

Dietz noted that the strike would commence at midnight on Thursday and last for 48 hours, with participation expected from a low four-digit number of workers. The union's decision stems from the stalled negotiations between public service unions and federal and municipal employers. To mitigate the impact on passengers, Verdi has announced the strike well in advance.

Employees from the public service sector and those working in ground handling have been called to participate in the strike. Dietz emphasized the essential role these workers play in ensuring the safety and reliability of air travel around the clock, regardless of weather conditions. However, she also highlighted the increasing workload and persistent staff shortages that have taken a toll on employees.

A spokesperson for Munich Airport stated that efforts are underway to coordinate with airlines and service providers to minimize inconvenience for travelers. Despite these efforts, the situation is complicated by the lack of agreement from a recent round of negotiations, where no consensus was reached.

The unions are advocating for an eight percent wage increase, or a minimum of 350 euros per month, along with additional bonuses for particularly demanding roles, especially in healthcare. Furthermore, they are seeking to negotiate three extra paid leave days.

Employers, particularly municipal representatives, have expressed concerns regarding potential overload on their resources, citing the financial strains faced by numerous cities and local authorities.

In addition to the planned strike at Munich Airport, a one-day warning strike is currently underway at Düsseldorf Airport, with passengers experiencing severe flight cancellations and delays. Similarly, the Cologne/Bonn Airport has already been affected by a warning strike since Sunday evening, leading to the cancellation of numerous flights.