Agencies
BERLIN
Airports, bus and train stations across Germany were at a standstill on Monday, disrupting millions during one of the largest walkouts in decades in Europe’s biggest economy as soaring inflation stokes wage demands. The 24-hour "warning” strikes called by the Verdi union and railway and transport union EVG were the latest in months of industrial action, which has hit major European economies as higher food and energy prices dent living standards.
They kicked off three days of wage talks which could lead to further strikes if they fail to yield a compromise. Employers have offered 5% more wages for 27 months and a one-off payment of 2,500 euros ($2,700) - proposals unions, which call for a double-digit rise, call unacceptable amid inflation which reached 9.3% in February.
Verdi is demanding a 10.5% wage increase, which would see pay rising by at least 500 euros per month, while EVG is asking for a 12% raise or at least 650 euros per month. "Employees are fed up with being fobbed off with warm words while work conditions get even worse and there are many vacant posts,” Verdi Chief Frank Werneke told reporters. Striking workers wearing high-vis jackets blew horns and whistles, held up banners and waved flags during protests.
Germany, which was heavily dependent on Russia for gas before the war in Ukraine, has been particularly hard hit by higher prices, with inflation rates exceeding the euro-area average in recent months.
Worsening chronic labour shortages give unions a strong negotiating hand, economists say. The walkout is the biggest in Germany, which has a long history of collective wage bargaining, since 1992, according to Verdi. The Airports Association ADV estimated that 380,000 air passengers were affected by flight suspensions including at two of Germany’s largest airports in Munich and Frankfurt, with stranded travellers sleeping on benches. Rail services were also cancelled by railway operator Deutsche Bahn (DBN.UL).
In Cologne, the lack of city trains prompted a dash for taxis."Millions of passengers who depend on buses and trains are suffering from this excessive, exaggerated strike,” a Deutsche Bahn spokesperson said. Verdi is negotiating for around 2.5 million employees in the public sector, including in public transport and airports, while EVG negotiates for around 230,000 employees at Deutsche Bahn and bus companies.