- Surprise strike at Hamburg Airport on 10 March disrupts 40,000 passengers.
- Only 10 of 280 flights departed as planned on Sunday.
- The strike was called by the ver.di union to pressure for better contract negotiations.
- Ver.di demands improved working conditions and benefits for workers.
On Sunday, 10 March, Hamburg Airport experienced significant disruption as a surprise strike by airport workers caused the cancellation of dozens of flights. More than 40,000 passengers were impacted, as only 10 of over 280 scheduled flights managed to depart on time.
The strike, which took place with just 30 minutes’ notice, threw the airport into chaos, leaving travelers stranded and scrambling for information. Consequently, many service desks were left unmanned, and a large electronic departure board prominently displayed “canceled” in red next to the list of all flights.
The sudden action was taken by security control staff members represented by the ver.di union. The union, which also represents workers in passenger services and cargo screening, organized the strike in an effort to push for better working conditions during ongoing contract negotiations. The timing was particularly challenging for passengers, as it occurred right before the start of the vacation season in Germany.
Airport Faces Unprecedented Disruptions
Passengers arriving at Hamburg Airport were met with a sea of cancellations. An electronic departure board displayed “canceled” in red next to nearly every flight. Service desks remained empty as long lines of frustrated travelers waited for updates.
“This is just stupid,” said Alva Wetzel, one of the passengers affected by the disruption. “I also wonder why it’s like this because it was supposed to be a big strike tomorrow (Monday)—and why is it today?”
Despite the chaos, the airport’s spokeswoman, Katja Bromm, assured travelers that while arrivals would continue on Monday, “considerable disruptions and cancellations” were expected. She expressed disappointment with the union’s actions, calling them “excessive and unfair to tens of thousands of travelers who have nothing to do with the disputes.”
Ver.di Union’s Demands and Rationale
The surprise walkout is part of the union’s broader strategy to secure a better deal in the ongoing collective bargaining talks. Ver.di is demanding improvements in workers’ occupational health and safety, more vacation days, a raise in the annual bonus to 50%, and the ability for employees to choose their own doctor for mandatory medical exams.
Lars Stubbe, a representative from the union, defended the strike, stating that the aim was to create economic pressure. “A strike must cause economic damage,” Stubbe said. “We know that it is a massive burden for passengers. Our colleagues know that too. But they have said we have to go on strike. It must be effective, so that we have a reasonable offer to negotiate.”
Uncertainty Looms for Monday’s Wider Strike
This disruption comes just a day before a wider planned strike, organized by the ver.di union, which is expected to affect 13 airports across Germany on Monday. The union’s goal with this series of strikes is to force negotiations with employers and achieve a fair agreement for its members. It remains unclear how much further disruption this will cause to both domestic and international flights.
The surprise strike at Hamburg Airport has left thousands of travelers facing frustration, delays, and confusion. As the negotiations between ver.di and airport management continue, passengers can only hope that the situation resolves without further major disruptions.
Meanwhile, the planned strikes at other airports across Germany signal that the issues may not be resolved anytime soon.