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Germany Faces Airport and Train Workers Strikes

by Jarrett Martineau | March 4, 2008 at 11:22 pm

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Germany is facing a set of strikes that could have a significant impact on the country's economy, depending on their duration.

Unionised workers at German airports are threatening to strike soon, amid dissatisfaction over wages.

The Verdi union said employees at eight airports would strike on Wednesday, with Lufthansa saying 142 domestic and European flights would be cut.

The airline urged passengers to take the train instead - but separate strikes by union BVG are also expected for Wednesday, reducing train services.

Germany workers want higher wages amid signs the economy is strengthening.

Meanwhile the train strike by BVG is expected to involve 12,000 workers across Berlin buses, trains and underground network.

And train drivers' union GDL has threatened strikes starting next Monday on both passenger and freight trains, intensifying an existing argument with Deutsche Bahn.

When a strike by GDL unions took place over 62 hours last November, it caused considerable disruption and economists estimate that it cost 75m euros (£57m) a day.

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Dave Keating

at 02:03 on March 5th, 2008

From Radio Netherlands-

Employees at Frankfurt Airport are on strike today. They are demanding a higher pay rise. As a result, the German airline Lufthansa has scrapped 142 flights, most of them to inland destinations.

Baggage handlers, security personnel and ground personnel at other airports in Germany have also joined the walk out. Their union Verdi, which wants an 8 percent pay increase for its members, called the strike.

On Tuesday, strikes hit large parts of Germany. In Berlin, rubbish collectors stayed at home and public transport was at a standstill in several cities. Creches and hospitals were also hit by the strike action.