Strikes at German airports ground hundreds of flights

BERLIN (AA) – Hundreds of flights were canceled at five German airports on Thursday as aviation security staff walked off the job demanding better pay and working conditions.

Berlin's main airport canceled all departing flights due to the all-day warning strike, and has warned passengers that incoming flights may also be affected by cancellations and changes to the flight schedule.

In North Rhine-Westphalia, Cologne/Bonn airport had to cancel at least 61 departures and 31 planned arrivals due to the strike, and advised passengers to check the status of their flight online before traveling to the airport.

The strike of the security staff also led to massive cancellations and delays at Hamburg, Stuttgart, and Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden airports.

According to the ADV airport association’s estimates, around 580 flights were canceled due to the strike at five airports, affecting nearly 90,000 passengers.

The Verdi union had announced the warning strike earlier this week after the fifth round of wage negotiations with the Federal Association of Aviation Security Companies (BDLS) failed to produce a result.

The union, which represents around 25,000 security staff, is demanding a €2.80 ($3.06) pay rise per hour, increased bonuses, and higher rates for overtime pay.

According to the BDLS, private security staff providers had offered €2.70 per hour in three stages, in the latest round of negotiations.

Both sides are expected to return to negotiations next week.