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On Tuesday, many travelers in Germany experienced being stuck at the country’s largest airports as ground crew went on strike at seven locations.
Ver.di, a labor union, has organized a one-day strike that will last until 7:10 am on Wednesday. This strike will impact numerous flights at Frankfurt and Munich airports, which are the main hubs for Lufthansa, as well as airports in Berlin, Duesseldorf, Hamburg, Cologne-Bonn, and Stuttgart.
Labor unions have organized a recent strike in the rail, air, and local transportation industries, following a trend of similar actions throughout the year. In response to rising inflation and staffing issues, the unions are advocating for improved pay and working conditions.
The use of brief “warning strikes” is a typical strategy in contract negotiations in Germany. However, this approach has caused frustration among travelers and commuters and has given Germany, known for its efficiency as the leading economic force in Europe, the appearance of being dysfunctional.
This is the current situation regarding the strikes.
Who is participating in a strike in Germany?
The Ver.di union, which consists of 25,000 members working in check-in, aircraft handling, maintenance and freight positions, have gone on strike. This is not the first time Ver.di members have gone on strike at German airports this month, resulting in the cancellation of numerous flights by airlines.
In the beginning of February, approximately 90,000 workers who are part of the Ver.di union for more than 130 local transportation companies went on strike in large cities throughout Germany.
Travelers are seen moving through a terminal at Frankfurt Airport in Germany on Tuesday.
In January, the GDL union for rail workers organized a number of strikes lasting several days in order to express their dissatisfaction with contract negotiations between themselves and Deutsche Bahn, the German railway company.
The longest strike in Deutsche Bahn’s history, which was scheduled for six days in late January, was shortened by a day as the union chose to resume negotiations.
What is the reason for the strikes in Germany?
Each union’s demands are different, but they center around higher wages and better working conditions. They argue that inflation has made life difficult for members, and that employers should compensate them accordingly to keep up with rising prices.
For instance, Ver.di is requesting a salary increase of 12.5% for employees at airports, or a minimum of 500 euros ($539) additionally each month. They also want a single payment of 3,000 euros to counteract the impact of inflation.
Transit workers are requesting a reduction in their work hours and additional days off with pay for working shifts and nights.
The union representing railway workers has requested a decrease in working hours from 38 to 35 per week without a decrease in pay, in addition to pay raises. However, Deutsche Bahn has rejected this proposal.
What happens next?
Discussions for the contract are currently in progress, suggesting that there may be further brief strikes or potentially longer ones in the near future.
The discussions between Ver.di and Lufthansa on February 12 did not result in a consensus. Additional talks have been arranged for Wednesday.
Following a five-day strike in the previous month, the GDL rail workers union resumed negotiations with Deutsche Bahn and pledged to refrain from striking until March 3. However, if an agreement is not reached by then, train passengers may encounter additional interruptions.
Source: independent.co.uk
