Failure in collective bargaining leads to TUIfly staff strike action on the ground crew
In a developing labour dispute, the union ver.di has announced potential strikes that could impact TUIfly's ground staff and, consequently, flight operations at various German airports.
The union's demands centre around three key areas: noticeable wage increases, improvements in working conditions for shift workers, and fair job classification based on qualifications. Ver.di believes that TUIfly's ground staff, who are responsible for key airport operations including aircraft maintenance, baggage handling, security checks, and coordination of ground traffic, deserve better appreciation for their work.
Negotiations for the master collective agreement and pay agreement for TUIfly's ground staff have been ongoing since summer 2024 and January 2025, respectively. However, according to ver.di, the employer side has reportedly refused to make constructive proposals and has even withdrawn and worsened previous offers. This has led to the application for warning strikes with the federal board.
The locations of these labour actions will be announced by ver.di shortly. If they proceed, airports such as Düsseldorf and Cologne/Bonn, where TUIfly aircraft take off and land, could be affected. The potential outcome of the negotiations could lead to noticeable restrictions in air traffic, possibly resulting in significant delays or flight cancellations for passengers.
Christine Behle, deputy chair of ver.di, has sharply criticized TUIfly's management behaviour towards their employees. She emphasized that these workers contribute daily to the punctuality and reliability of flights. The union has also criticized the lack of compromise from TUIfly's management, stating that it seems they are unable to find a solution that respects the ground staff.
In light of these potential disruptions, travelers are advised to inform themselves about their flights in advance and consider alternative connections in case the labour disputes become a reality. It is hoped that a resolution can be found soon to ensure smooth operations for both TUIfly and its passengers.
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