The strike, organized by the uniformed union and the Union of Railways and Transport (EVG), has been described by international media as the most active in decades at the expense of Europe’s struggling economy.
Demanding a 24-hour “disciplinary warning”, the groups Verdi and EVG have warned the government that it could lead to more deaths if they fail to reach an agreement.
The government has so far given workers a 5 percent pay rise for 27 months and a lump sum payment of 2,500 euros, but unions are demanding double that amount, saying inflation hit 9.3 percent in February. Take control. Such minor repairs are unacceptable.
Economists say the bargaining power of unions is increasing due to job shortages in the industry. According to Vardi, Germany has a long history of wage negotiations starting in 1992 and the latest example was the biggest strike in decades.
