Germany has risen today with the start of a massive strike that has paralyzed transport in a large part of the country, affecting traffic by train, plane and public transport, in one of the biggest strikes in recent decades, while the largest economy in Europe suffers from rising inflation.
In the hours before the strike, both sides entrenched in their positions: union leaders warned that the considerable wage increases (increases of more than 10% are requested) were a “question of survival” for thousands of workers, while the employers described of “completely excessive” the demands and the resulting action.
The 24-hour stoppage also affected freight transport by rail and ship, as workers in the country’s ports and waterways joined the strike. Many commuters chose to drive, causing delays on the roads, while those who could worked from home.
The stoppages are the latest in a series of strikes that have hit major European economies as rising food and energy prices have dented living standards.
Germany, which relied heavily on Russia for gas supplies before the Ukraine war, has been hit particularly hard by rising inflation as it scrambles to find new energy sources, with inflation rates above average. of the euro zone in recent months.
Consumer prices in Germany rose more than expected in February – 9.3% from a year earlier – indicating that persistent cost pressures, which the European Central Bank has tried to control with a series of price hikes, interest rates have not subsided.
It has been a painful adjustment for millions of workers across the country, as the costs of everything from butter to rent have risen after years of fairly stable prices.
“For many thousands of workers, getting a significant wage increase is a matter of survival,” Frank Werneke, head of the Verdi union, told the German daily Bild.
The Verdi union negotiates on behalf of some 2.5 million employees in the public sector, including those in public transport and airports. The railway and transport union EVG negotiates for some 230,000 employees of the rail operator Deutsche Bahn and bus companies.
Verdi is asking for a 10.5% pay rise, which would mean a salary increase of at least 500 euros ($538) a month, while EVG is asking for a 12% raise or at least 650 euros a month.
For its part, Deutsche Bahn said on Sunday that the strike was “completely excessive, unfounded and unnecessary.” Employers also warn that higher wages for transport workers would translate into higher rates and taxes to make up the difference.
