On March 16, German services workers’ union Verdi has called for all employees at Berlin Brandenburg Airport to take part in the strike on Wednesday, March 18. This has led to mass flight cancellations for the whole day.
Wage Negotiations: What Are They About?
“In the second round of negotiations, the employers put forward an offer that (Verdi’s) bargaining committee rejected as unacceptable,” the union has stated about the recent wage negotiations.
A pay rise in several stages has been offered recently by the airport operator of Berlin Brandenburg Airport, one of 1 to 1.5%. This offer has been rejected by services workers’ union Verdi who then demanded a minimum 6% increase on behalf of the employees.
The union representative and chief negotiator, Holger Rößler, commented on the happenings, calling the offer a provocation and not serious. “Anyone who offers employees practically just one per cent more pay per year over several years while the cost of living rises shows no appreciation for their work,” he stated.
The next round of negotiations is scheduled to take place on March 25. The airport company has expressed confidence in its ability to reach an agreement with the workers.
Flights Canceled: Who is Affected?
Around 57,000 passengers have been affected by the strike, as all flights are cancelled at the Berlin airport on Wednesday. Approximately 445 departures have been cancelled or rescheduled. Berlin Brandenburg Airport encourages its passengers to contact their airline or tour operator in order to get more information about alternative travel options.
“The airport operator has informed its partners, such as airlines, ground handling service providers, security companies and local businesses, of this” said the airport.
More workers’ strikes have taken place this month, as only last week Lufthansa faced its own troubles with delays and cancellations in Germany.
Do you know anyone affected by the workers’ strike? What do you think the right solution would be? Let us know in the comments!
