Berlin Airport Strike in Germany... 300 Flights Canceled, Passengers Stranded

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Haeyoung] Workers at Berlin Airport in Germany went on strike on the 25th (local time) demanding a wage increase, resulting in the cancellation of all 300 flights scheduled for the day.

According to major foreign media, the German United Services Trade Union Verdi ordered a warning strike for airport corporation employees, aviation safety staff, and ground transportation workers. The strike period lasted from 3:30 AM to 11:59 PM on the same day.

About 6,000 workers participated in the strike, responsible for check-in, baggage handling, and aircraft refueling. Consequently, 300 flights scheduled to depart from or arrive at Berlin Airport were canceled, causing inconvenience to approximately 35,000 passengers. Some flights were postponed to the following day, and airlines advised passengers to change their reservation dates or use trains.

Verdi initiated the strike to demand a wage increase. Verdi is requesting a monthly wage increase of 500 euros (approximately 670,000 KRW) for airport corporation and ground transportation workers for 12 months. The management proposed extending the contract period and offering a one-time payment of 2,000 euros (approximately 2,690,000 KRW) instead.

Verdi stated, "The goal of the strike is to achieve better working conditions," adding, "There is a severe shortage of personnel, and the burden on workers is enormous." They emphasized, "While a one-time additional allowance to compensate for soaring prices is good, it cannot replace a sustainable wage increase."