Two German trade unions, Verdi and EVG, representing workers in the transport industry, have called for mass strikes next Monday. The actions could lead to a paralysis of air and rail traffic throughout Germany. The reason for the strikes is wage disputes.
According to the unions’ announcements, the strikes will start in the night from Sunday to Monday, shortly after midnight and will last around the clock. Commuters and travelers across Germany will have to prepare on Monday for “far-reaching restrictions” on urban, rail (long-distance and regional), air and even water transport, ZDF reported.
This is the second strike in recent weeks Germany. The last difficulties for travelers from German airports took place last week. Airport workers went on strike in Berlin, Bremen and Hamburg, Duesseldorf and Cologne/Bonn.
Wage strikes
Monday’s strike is expected to increase pressure on regional governments and the federal government ahead of the third round of negotiations, which is scheduled for March 27. The Verdi trade union negotiates on behalf of approximately 2.5 million public sector workers, including those employed in public transport and airports. Verdi demands a wage increase of 10.5 percent, but not less than 500 euros a month.
The rail and transport association EVG represents around 230,000. employees, including Deutsche Bahn and bus companies. This union demands 12 percent. raises or at least €650 per month.
Employers have so far offered a raise of 5% on average.
“We represent groups of workers who literally run this country and are paid way too badly to do that,” Verdi chairman Frank Werneke said. The union called about 120,000. workers in the transport and infrastructure sectors, including airports, shipping companies and highway operators, to take part in industrial action.
We don’t want any further escalation. We want a negotiable offer, said Martin Burkert, chairman of the EVG union, which represents 50 transport companies, including the rail carrier Deutsche Bahn. At the same time, the EVG union said that further strikes in April, around Easter, cannot be ruled out.
Main photo source: EPA/PHILIP SINGER