Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) has cancelled all passenger flights scheduled for Wednesday following a warning strike called by the service sector trade union Verdi. Around 445 departures and arrivals had originally been planned for the day, affecting approximately 57,000 passengers. The airport operator described the strike as "disproportionate," while the union accused management of adopting a "blocking stance" in ongoing wage negotiations.
Verdi's lead negotiator Holger Rößler rejected the employer's offer outright, saying the proposed wage increases of around one percent per year through to the end of 2028 were "not negotiable." "That is not a serious offer, but a provocation at the negotiating table. Anyone who offers employees practically only one percent more wages per year over several years, while the cost of living is rising, shows no appreciation whatsoever for their work," Rößler said.
Aletta von Massenbach, Chair of the Management Board of the airport operating company, pushed back against the industrial action. "We consider a warning strike to be disproportionate, especially in a situation that is already very tense due to the Iran war," she said. Von Massenbach confirmed that the next round of negotiations has been scheduled for 25 March, adding: "We are confident that an agreement will be reached."
The airport operator has urged affected passengers to contact their airline directly for information on rebooking options and alternative travel arrangements.
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