Public sector strikes hit German airports, causing air cargo delays

Public sector strikes hit German airports yesterday, affecting air cargo operations.

The strikes caused a large number of flight cancellations at airports in Frankfurt, Munich, Dusseldorf, Cologne/Bonn, Dortmund and Hannover. Up to two thirds of passenger flights were cancelled at Munich Airport on Wednesday morning, while Frankfurt Airport warned of major disruptions.

Lufthansa Cargo announced that it planned to go ahead with all of its cargo connections, but some faced delays of several hours. The reduction of passenger flights also meant reduced capacity in the cargo holds of passenger aircraft.

German labour union Verdi called the strikes following a wage dispute. The union is demanding a 6% wage increase for the 2 million public service employees it represents, as well as a pay increase for trainees.

Those who refused to cross picket lines included 80 members of the Independent Pilots Association who pilot for UPS—affecting approximately 60 UPS flights.

(Source: Air Cargo News, DW)