️ A strike by the Verdi union has halted all passenger flights at Berlin's only major commercial airport, Brandenburg (BER), for the entire day. The walkout began early in the morning and is set to last until midnight, according to Verdi negotiator Holger Rössler. Airport operators reported that around 445 flights have been canceled, affecting approximately 57,000 passengers, as terminals remained largely empty due to advance notifications from airlines.

️ Approximately 2,000 employees are participating in the strike, including staff in fire services, air traffic control, and terminal management. Although some services like ground handling and security checks are operated by external providers not involved in the strike, maintaining flight operations has proven impossible. The airport operator criticized the action as disproportionate, citing already strained conditions linked to the Iran war.

️ Berlin Brandenburg Airport Company CEO Aletta von Massenbach expressed confidence that an agreement would be reached in the next round of talks scheduled for March 25. Berlin's transport senator, Ute Bonde, urged both sides to move closer and resolve the dispute quickly. Employers presented an initial offer in the second round of negotiations last week, but Verdi rejected it, demanding a 6% pay rise, at least €250 (roughly $290) more per month, and an extra day off for union members.

️ The strike highlights ongoing labor tensions in Germany, with the airport operator warning of broader impacts on travel and logistics. Despite efforts to inform passengers, some still arrived at the airport unaware of the cancellations, underscoring the disruption's scale. The incident occurs amid broader economic challenges in the region, with the EU facing competitiveness issues and global crises, as Chancellor Friedrich Merz is set to address lawmakers later on topics including Iran and Ukraine.

Source: www.dw.com