A surprise employee strike at Hamburg Airport on Sunday led to the cancellation of flights affecting over 40,000 travelers, occurring just a day before a nationwide protest scheduled across Germany due to ongoing contract discussions.
Out of the more than 280 flights planned for early Sunday, only 10 proceeded as scheduled, according to the airport’s statement. Many service counters were vacant as the stranded passengers gathered to seek clarification on the flight cancellations. A large electronic departure board prominently displayed all flights marked with “canceled” in red.
The unanticipated strike reportedly occurred with only about 30 minutes’ notice. It preceded broader, prearranged strikes intended to take place on Monday at 13 different German airports, organized by the ver.di union.
The union, whose members are involved in various services such as passenger support and cargo screening, initiated Sunday’s strike by security personnel to increase pressure on company representatives amid ongoing collective bargaining talks.
“The behavior of the trade union ver.di is dishonorable: The strike without notice hits Hamburg Airport at the start of the vacation season,” stated the airport’s spokeswoman, Katja Bromm. She mentioned that arrivals should be possible on Monday, but significant disruptions and cancellations were anticipated.
Bromm criticized Sunday’s strikes, describing them as “excessive and unfair” to the many travelers uninvolved in the ongoing disputes.
The ver.di union has been in negotiation for months advocating for a new agreement to enhance occupational health and safety, offer additional vacation days, raise the annual bonus to 50%, and provide the freedom of selecting doctors for mandatory medical exams, among other demands.
Lars Stubbe, a union official, noted that “a strike must cause economic damage.”
“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,” he remarked.
Some travelers expressed their frustration openly.
“I also wonder why it’s like this, because it was supposed to be a big strike tomorrow (Monday) — and why is it today?” said Alva Wetzel, who had plans to travel. “It’s just stupid.”
