Frankfurt Airport strike extended through Friday

German GdF union said its strike at Frankfurt Airport (FRA) will continue through Friday. The union, which represents 200 apron control workers, has held walkout strikes since last Thursday, excluding last weekend, over a pay dispute with airport operator Fraport (ATW Daily News, Feb. 20).

So far 750 flights have been canceled. Fraport told Reuters that strikes Thursday, Friday and Monday resulted in $5 million lost revenue.

The latest walkout began early Monday and will now be extended through Friday, the union said.

On Tuesday, FRA said it handled 80% of its normal traffic and expected to cancel 197 flights. Intercontinental flights are not affected.

FRA has beefed up its staff with additional employees from other areas of operations to fill the gap and said it will be able to hold out over long strike periods.

Fraport has called on the GdF union to end the strikes and resume talks. The union has shown no sign of backing down.