Germany's national airline, Lufthansa, is bracing for a potential disruption as its ground staff, represented by the trade union Verdi, plan a one-day strike on Wednesday. The industrial action is expected to affect operations at several airports including Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg, Berlin, and Düsseldorf, potentially impacting attendees of the Fruit Logistica event scheduled in Berlin from 7-9 February 2024.
The strike is scheduled to commence at 4 a.m. (0200 GMT) on Wednesday, February 7, and end at 7:10 a.m. on Thursday. Verdi anticipates that the strike, involving all ground staff, will lead to significant cancellations and delays, impacting 80% to 90% of Lufthansa's flight schedule.
Lufthansa has criticized Verdi's decision, labeling the strike "incomprehensible" before negotiations have even begun. The airline is also facing a two-day strike by pilots at its subsidiary, Discover Airlines.
The strike is part of ongoing collective bargaining negotiations between Lufthansa and Verdi, with the union rejecting a pay increase proposal from the airline as inadequate. Verdi has demanded a 12.5% wage increase or a minimum monthly boost of €500 ($544.30) for the next year, along with a one-time inflation-offsetting payment of €3,000.
This impending strike marks the fourth major industrial action in Germany in 2024, reflecting a growing trend of strikes as workers grapple with inflation and a declining economy.
Source: www.dw.com