Security screeners began a one-day walkout on Thursday at 11 of Germany’s busiest airports, bringing departures to a virtual standstill, scuttling travel plans for an expected 200,000 people and adding to the chaos caused by public sector strikes.
Airports serving Berlin, Hamburg, and Stuttgart canceled all of their departures in anticipation of the work stoppage, while others — including Frankfurt’s airport, the biggest in Germany — were trying to keep some flights in the air but warned of significant delays and cancellations.
“The work of airport security staff must remain financially attractive so that the urgently needed skilled workers can be recruited and retained,” said Wolfgang Pieper, a lead negotiator for Verdi, the public sector union behind the strike.
Screeners are demanding an hourly raise of 2.80 euros, or roughly $3, a 14 percent increase for a starting salary.
The federal association of aviation security businesses, the B.D.L.S., which represents employers, called the demands “utopian.” It has offered a 4 percent increase this year, followed by a 3 percent rise next year.
Persons:
screeners, Germany —, ”, Wolfgang Pieper, Verdi
Organizations:
Airports
Locations:
Berlin, Hamburg, Stuttgart, Frankfurt’s, Germany