24-hour German airport strike: How travel from Czechia might be affected

A 24-hour strike planned for Monday will disrupt operations at 11 major airports across Germany, including Frankfurt, Munich, and Hamburg. Organized by the Verdi union, the strike is aimed at pressuring employers in the public sector to meet wage demands as negotiations continue.

Travelers flying to and from Prague’s Airport may also experience delays on Monday, as the strike impacts routes to several German cities. While the airport has not yet confirmed any flight cancellations, up to 20 flights from Prague could be impacted by the strike, with direct flights to Frankfurt, Munich, and Düsseldorf being particularly vulnerable.

The strike, set to begin at midnight Sunday and end Monday evening, is a response to stalled wage negotiations affecting a wide range of German public sector employees, from firefighters to airport workers. The strike also coincides with broader protests in other sectors, with workers demanding better compensation.

Among the affected airports, Frankfurt, Germany’s busiest, has already confirmed that no flights will depart on Monday. Munich, Berlin-Brandenburg, and several others will also halt operations as public sector workers, including those involved in baggage handling and security checks, join the strike.

This protest follows previous labor actions last week, where similar strikes were held at airports in Munich and Hamburg, as well as other public services.

Verdi, the union organizing the strike, claims that the lack of a satisfactory wage offer from employers has left them with no choice but to escalate their action. Christine Behle, Verdi’s vice-chairperson, stated that the strike was necessary due to employers’ unwillingness to meet workers' demands for fair compensation and conditions.

The strike is part of a larger ongoing dispute over wage increases for workers in the public sector. Verdi is seeking an 8 percent pay raise, or a minimum of EUR 350 euros (approximately CZK 8,700) more per month.

In addition, the union is demanding three extra days of vacation. However, municipal representatives argue that these demands are excessive and would negatively impact the availability of public services.

The wage dispute has caused waves of protests across various sectors, including healthcare, education, and sanitation. The striking workers hope to pressure local and regional governments into taking their demands seriously.

For those flying from Prague on Monday, stay updated on the website of Prague Airport for any potential flight cancellations or delays.