The Verdi union also began its aviation security warning strike today (2 a.m.) at Germany’s largest airport, Frankfurt. As the airport operator Fraport announced, no boarding is possible in Frankfurt. Therefore, numerous flights were canceled. However, the main customer Lufthansa had announced that it would maintain the majority of its program in Frankfurt, including long-distance flights.
The airport operator Fraport had asked passengers not to come to the airport this Thursday and to contact their airlines for alternative travel options. In the morning, the airport’s online information service showed numerous flight cancellations and other flights taking off. Aviation security forces work at the checkpoints for passengers, baggage and personnel. Without them, normal operation is not possible.
Worry about widespread strikes like those at Deutsche Bahn
In the collective bargaining dispute, Verdi is demanding 2.80 euros more wages per hour, higher functional bonuses and overtime bonuses from the first hour of overtime. According to their own information, employers from the Federal Association of Aviation Security Companies (BDLS) have offered 4 percent more money for this year and 3 percent more money for next year.
The strike was completely inappropriate, said Frank Haindl from the collective bargaining committee of the Federal Association of Aviation Security Companies (BDLS) in Frankfurt. There is a debatable offer on the table. A compromise must be found that is viable for both sides. Both sides would also have to discuss the key points of an arbitration agreement in the event that there is no solution at the negotiating table, said Haindl. It must be prevented that there are widespread strikes like those at Deutsche Bahn.
Aviation security warning strikes had also been announced for ten other airports in Germany – starting depending on the start times of shifts. Normal flight operations should not be possible until Friday. According to estimates by the airport association ADV, around 1,100 flights nationwide will be canceled or delayed. An estimated 200,000 passengers are affected.
