Berlin/Frankfurt (Reportase One) – Airports, terminals and stations across Germany were not operating on Monday morning due to a strike that has disrupted millions of commuters and travelers.
The action was the biggest strike in decades in Europe’s largest economy.
The 24-hour strike, called by labor union Verdi as well as rail and transport workers union EVG, is taking place amid soaring food and energy prices that are reducing people’s living standards.
Flights at the two biggest airports in Munich and Frankfurt were suspended, while long-distance train services were canceled by rail operator Deutsche Bahn.
Union Verdi represents around 2.5 million workers in the public sector, including those working in public transport and at airports, while EVG represents around 230,000 workers at Deutsche Bahn and local bus companies.
Citing Verdi chairman Frank Werneke, local newspaper Bild am Sonntag reported that the strike was linked to the life and death of millions of workers amid soaring inflation.
Consumer prices increased more than expected in February, up 9.3 percent from a year earlier, as cost pressures persisted even after the European Central Bank tried to quell them with a series of rate hikes.
Augsburger Allgemeine, citing EVG union chairman Martin Burkert, reports that employers have not made a satisfactory offer.
Further strikes are still possible, even during the upcoming Easter holidays, the daily said.
Deutsche Bahn on Sunday said the strike was “totally redundant, unfounded and unnecessary”.
They also warn that higher wages for transport sector workers will lead to higher service fees and taxes.
Source: Reuters
Also read: German public transport workers strike demanding wage increases
Also read: Germany forced all-day strike to cancel hundreds of flights
Translator: Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Anton Santoso
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