The German trade union Verdi has announced 24-hour strikes at Cologne and Düsseldorf airports starting Sunday evening in Cologne and Monday morning in Düsseldorf.

The strikes, part of a broader public sector wage dispute, are expected to cause significant disruptions to passenger flights.

Workers involved include baggage handlers, check-in staff, and aircraft service personnel, though security checks will remain unaffected.

Verdi is demanding an 8% pay increase or at least €350 more per month, along with additional benefits for high-stress jobs.

Negotiations with employers have so far failed, with the next round of talks scheduled for mid-March.

The union aims to highlight the heavy workload and staff shortages faced by airport workers.