The strike scheduled for tomorrow at airports in Germany has already commenced in Hamburg. According to a spokeswoman, all flights at the airport have been canceled today.
In Hamburg, 144 planes were expected to land and 139 to take off today, but only about ten flights proceeded. The rest were canceled.
A spokesman for the German union Verdi stated that the unannounced action is intended to have extra impact. During announced strikes, airports deploy strikebreakers to minimize disruption for passengers.
By starting the strike earlier without notice, airports lack this option. The strike at thirteen different airports in the country was originally set to start this evening and last for 24 hours.
Staff are striking for better wages and reduced workload, as negotiations have not yet led to a satisfactory wage offer. The website of Frankfurt Airport advises people not to come to the airport tomorrow.
It is expected that around half a million people will be affected by the strike, as 3,400 flights are canceled. Airports such as Cologne/Bonn, Düsseldorf, and Dortmund are also called to strike.
Source: NOS