Düsseldorf airport endures assault on Friday
Düsseldorf Airport is bracing for a significant disruption as employees in various sectors, including aviation security, passenger control, personnel, goods, cargo control, and public service, have announced a strike starting from Friday, 00:00 to 23:59 on March 17. The strike is a response to ongoing negotiations that have yet to yield an acceptable offer in regards to wages and working conditions.
The union, ver.di, has been advocating for higher shift allowances for night, Saturday, Sunday, and holiday work, as well as better tariff regulations for overtime pay for security and service staff at airports since 2013. Negotiations for shift allowance increases have been ongoing since this time, but have proven unsuccessful. Six further rounds of negotiations in 2022 were also unsuccessful, and there is still no offer from the employers.
The pandemic caused negotiations to be halted but were resumed in the 2022 wage round. However, the current situation has not resulted in a resolution that satisfies the union. Employees are demanding an increase in shift allowances for the aforementioned work periods, as well as a 10.5% increase in wages, equivalent to at least 500 euros per month, for a period of 12 months.
Wolfgang Pieper from the ver.di trade union explains that adequate shift allowances are necessary to compensate for work during unfavorable times and to make working conditions more attractive. Additionally, employees are demanding better tariff regulations for overtime pay for public service employees.
The strike is expected to cause delays, longer waiting times, and flight cancellations for passengers. Only emergency operations will be maintained at the airport, leading to many flight cancellations. Andrea Becker, ver.di state district occupational group leader in NRW, has stated that the strike is a response to no acceptable offer being made in negotiations regarding wages and working conditions.
Strikes have occurred at multiple airports across Germany, impacting operations and highlighting the union's push for improved compensation and conditions. ver.di has been involved in strikes across the country, demanding higher wages and better working conditions for security personnel as part of broader collective bargaining efforts.
Passengers are advised to check the status of their flights and make necessary arrangements in case of cancellations or delays. The situation is ongoing, and updates will be provided as they become available.
- The aviation industry, particularly Düsseldorf Airport, is facing a potential impact on finance due to the upcoming strike by employees demanding improved wages and working conditions, which may lead to travel disruptions for passengers.
- The union, ver.di, has been advocating for higher shift allowances in the finance sector for night, weekend, and holiday work, as well as better tariff regulations for overtime pay, not only in the aviation industry but also in the broader business sector, since 2013.
- While the sports industry may continue to operate, the travel industry, including airlines and airports, may suffer significant losses due to the strike, as passengers may opt for alternative transportation, impacting lifestyle and economy.
