A strike has been announced by the Verdi union following a failure to reach an agreement in collective bargaining concerning wages. The union stated that the strike is necessary because employers have 'refused to make a proposal that would allow for negotiation.' This action impacts about 2,000 union members who are seeking a 6% increase in their salaries or a minimum raise of 250 euros under a new 12-month collective agreement.

In addition to the wage increase, Verdi is also advocating for an extra day off for union members as part of the agreement. The disagreement touches on employees working in critical operational areas, including airport fire services, traffic control, and terminal management. These sectors are essential for the smooth functioning of the Berlin-Brandenburg airport, which is already facing operational challenges due to the strike.

The airport operator has communicated that flights cannot be carried out due to the critical nature of these functions, urging affected passengers to contact their airlines for further assistance. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between labor unions and employers regarding fair compensation and working conditions in the aviation sector, particularly as travel demand rebounds post-pandemic.