Travellers in Germany to Expect Disruptions As Air Travel & Rail Announce Strikes

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Unsuccessful negotiations for higher pay prompt continue strikes in Germany, affecting air travel and rail.
• Lufthansa ground staff is set to strike for two days starting on March 7, causing disruptions in passenger services until March 9.
• The strikes are expected to inconvenience commuters, with Lufthansa estimating delays or missed flights for around 200,000 air travellers.

After failed negotiations for better paying conditions, unions in Germany are expected to continue with their strike, which can prompt travel chaos in the country.

According to AFP, workers at Lufthansa and those at rail operator Deutsche Bahn have announced more walkouts for the upcoming days, with the strikers accusing the management of showing “no willingness” to enhance their efforts to compromise overpayment.

Lufthansa ground staff will go on a two-day strike on March 7, which will start at 15.00, and services will be returned only on Saturday morning. Workers remain persistent in their demands, arguing that they need a pay rise to handle the rising inflation.

Lufthansa Ground Staff Goes On a Strike Until Saturday, March 9

As Verdi, the biggest trade union in Germany, warned, the strike could cause a not-so-smooth travel experience for commuters.

The stoppage would impact passenger services from 03:00 GMT on Thursday until 06:10 GMT on Saturday. 

Verdi, Trade Union

On the other hand, Lufthansa announced that some 200,000 air travellers could expect delays or missed flights during this period.

The strike announcement comes less than a week after Lufthansa’s ground staff aviation training units walked out. Although this strike did not affect passengers, another industrial action in February impacted around 100,000 passengers since almost 90 per cent of the airline’s commercial flights were grounded.

Verdi’s chief negotiator noted that it was “regrettable” that passengers would again be subject to such disruptions.

By ignoring our request to negotiate, Lufthansa is telling us that it will only move when the pressure increases further. 

Verdi's Chief negotiator, Marvin Reschinsk

The trade union is seeking pay raises of 12.5 per cent or offering them a minimum of €500 more a month. Lufthansa has promised pay increases over an extended period, but they do not fulfill the conditions that Verdi has made.

The next round of negotiations is set to take place next week, scheduled on March 13 and 14.

Strikes Announced in Several German Industries

Transport is not the only sector where workers are unsatisfied with their jobs, as the civil service and supermarkets have also warned of strikes.

Due to fluctuations in inflation rates and the COVID-19 pandemic, employees across Germany are demanding higher salaries in order to afford the rising prices.

The GDL train drivers’ union joined the line of workers protesting their conditions by announcing a strike, as negotiations with Deutsche Bahn over better pay and a shorter work week were not successful.

According to Deutsche Bahn, works for 13 per cent more pay, as well as the option of four-week work starting in 2026, is being discussed. The same estimates that each strike day costs the German economy tens of millions.