Wednesday, March 18
Since early this morning, no planes have taken of or landed at BER airport. This is because the trade union Verdi has organised a warning strike for the whole of Wednesday, continuing until midnight.
The Berlin-Brandenburg Airport Company (FBB) had previously announced this, and passengers were informed that their flights were cancelled. They have been asked to contact their airlines to inquire about travel alternatives and re-bookings. “All passengers were informed by their airlines in good time and did not even come to the airport,” said a spokeswoman for the FBB. “The flights were rebooked or alternative routes were offered.”
The reason for the strike is due to ongoing collective bargaining between Verdi and the FBB. Last week, the employers made an offer in the second round of talks that the union rejected, claiming it is not enough. Instead, they demand, among other things, 6% more money for the approximately 2,000 FBB employees, but at least €250 additional per month per group or level, as well as an additional day off for union members.
The airport has criticised the warning strike. Airport manager Aletta von Massenbach announced a few days ago that the labour dispute is disproportionate “especially in a situation that is already very tense due to the Iran war”. The next round of negotiations is on March 25, and Transport Senator Ute Bonde has called on both collective bargaining parties to quickly come to a solution.
