Airport in Düsseldorf encounters disruption on Monday following a transportation strike

In a bid to pressure employers in the public sector, the United Services Union (ver.di NRW) has announced a series of full-day warning strikes at airports in Düsseldorf and Cologne/Bonn, starting on Monday, 24th February.

The action, aimed at demanding a 8% wage increase, at least 350 euros more per month, and higher allowances for strenuous activities, is expected to cause significant impacts on passenger flights at Düsseldorf Airport.

As of Monday morning, around half of the 334 originally planned take-offs and landings at Düsseldorf Airport have been canceled. The work stoppages will begin early Monday morning and are set to continue until early Thursday morning.

The following companies at Düsseldorf Airport will be on strike for 24 hours: Düsseldorf Airport GmbH, Düsseldorf Airport Ground-Handling GmbH, Düsseldorf Airport Security GmbH, Aviapartner Düsseldorf GmbH, AAS Düsseldorf GmbH, AHS Düsseldorf Aviation Handling Services GmbH, WISAG Passage Service Düsseldorf GmbH, and WISAG Airport Service Düsseldorf GmbH.

Gabriele Schmidt, ver.di's regional district leader in NRW, has stated that employers' current intransigence is affecting employees at NRW airports. In addition to the wage demands, ver.di is also seeking a "My Time Account" to provide employees with more time sovereignty and flexibility.

The union is also demanding three additional free days to counteract high workload, and increased training allowances and internship salaries by 200 euros per month.

Passengers are advised to check the status of their flight with their airline or travel agency before traveling to the airport. The late-night check-in on the previous evening will not be available at Düsseldorf Airport.

The third round of wage negotiations is scheduled for March 14-16, 2025, in Potsdam. The airport expects further cancellations today and tomorrow due to the participation of employees in various roles at Düsseldorf Airport.

This action comes as part of the ongoing efforts by ver.di to improve working conditions and wages for its members in the public sector. The union will continue to negotiate with employers in the hope of reaching a fair agreement.