A sudden strike by workers at Hamburg Airport led to the cancellation of nearly all flights on Sunday, disrupting travel plans for over 40,000 passengers. The walkout, reportedly initiated with just 30 minutes’ notice, occurred a day before a larger wave of preplanned strikes across 13 German airports.
Of the more than 280 scheduled flights, only 10 operated as planned, leaving service desks deserted and passengers scrambling for information. The ver.di union, which represents workers in passenger services, cargo screening, and security, organized the strike to pressure employers amid ongoing contract negotiations.
Hamburg Airport spokeswoman Katja Bromm condemned the strike as “dishonorable,” especially at the start of the vacation season. She warned that Monday would bring “considerable disruptions and cancellations,” though arrivals would still be permitted. Bromm criticized the strike as “excessive and unfair” to passengers uninvolved in the labor dispute.
Ver.di has been pushing for better working conditions, including improved health and safety measures, increased vacation days, a 50% annual bonus hike, and greater medical freedom for mandatory employee checkups.
Source: Swifteradio.com
