German unions demand higher wages, call for transport strike

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
23 Mar 2023 16:09

The strike follows a series of other strikes that have taken place in recent months across Germany, from the postal service to airports and local transport.

A general view of unattended check-in counters, as airport workers protest at Cologne-Bonn Airport (CGN) during a strike called by German trade union Verdi, in Cologne, Germany, March 17, 2023. (Reuters)

German unions called for a major transport strike on Monday as workers demand higher wages due to their struggle amid surging inflation, the latest industrial action in Europe's top economy.

The Verdi and EVG unions announced on Thursday that staff at airports, ports, railroads, buses, and subways will walk out across much of the country.

"We think there will be extensive participation in the strike," Verdi chief Frank Werneke told a press conference.

The strike followed a series of other strikes that have taken place in recent months across Germany, from the postal service to airports and local transport.

Germans are struggling with surging inflation, much like other countries, especially after the war in Ukraine started a year or so ago.

Verdi itself represents almost 2.5 million public sector employees. EVG represents workers on the railways and at bus companies.

It is not very common for unions to join forces to call a joint strike in Germany. It also follows a series of failed talks with employers in the past few weeks.

Verdi alone is asking for a pay rise of 10.5 percent in monthly salaries. EVG however is demanding a 12 percent pay rise for those it represents.

The announcement of a strike came after a third round of salary negotiations for public sector workers didn't work out. The strike is to begin on Monday.