Munich airport strike disrupts flights, including Prague connections

A large-scale warning strike at Munich Airport has led to the cancellation of approximately 80% of flights, including all connections between Munich and Prague for Thursday and Friday. The two-day protest, organized by the Verdi union, is part of ongoing wage negotiations for public sector workers. The strike, which began at midnight, will continue until early Saturday morning.

The strike involves key airport personnel, including maintenance staff, IT services, security personnel, baggage handlers, and transport workers. Munich Airport, Germany’s second-largest after Frankfurt, had 830 scheduled departures and arrivals each day, most of which have now been cancelled. The disruption has also extended to Hamburg Airport, where 300 employees have joined the strike, leading to the cancellation of seven flights, mainly to Munich.

Verdi is demanding an 8% wage increase, or a minimum €350 per month (approximately CZK 8,700), along with an additional three days of vacation for airport workers. The strike is part of a broader labor dispute between the union, municipal employers, and the German government over public sector wages. While airlines are not directly involved in the negotiations, the strike is significantly affecting air travel across Germany.

Beyond airports, workers in Essen’s waste collection services, medical staff at clinics in Erfurt and Hamburg, as well as municipal cleaning and port employees have also joined the protests. The strike is expected to put additional pressure on employers as negotiations continue.

While Munich remains the most affected airport, further disruptions across the German transport network remain possible as Verdi continues to push for wage increases and improved working conditions.

Source: CTK