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Airport strikes threatened in Berlin

March 6, 2017

People with a zeal for learning about the world's top travel destinations are on standby to come to Berlin's International Tourism Bourse (ITB), which starts Wednesday.

https://p.dw.com/p/2Ygjn
Deutschland Flughafen Tegel Air Berlin
Image: picture alliance/dpa/S. Stache

The question is whether they'll be able to get there, after ground crews at Berlin's two major airports overwhelmingly backed a strike, which could start just as the convention begins. "The employers have the power to stop the strike," read a statement from labour union Verdi, after 98.6 per cent of staff at Tegel and Schoenefeld airports voted for the stoppage.

Union officials will decide Tuesday whether to push ahead. Verdi is pushing for an hourly pay increase and better working hours for its members, arguing that their workload is increasing with the growing number of passengers and a greater focus on security. The union also wants more opportunities for professional advancement for ground staff.

is/ks (dpa)