German rail strike will make travel standstill on Friday

Thursday, April 20, 2023

Germany is set to experience a nationwide transport strike on Friday as the EVG rail and transport union announces a strike that will affect the national operator, Deutsche Bahn.

The strike, which coincides with a separate walkout at three airports, will involve 50 rail companies and run from 3 a.m. until 11 a.m.

EVG is seeking a 12% wage increase, or at least an additional €650 per month on behalf of 230,000 workers. In contrast, Deutsche Bahn has offered 5% more and one-off payments of up to €2,500. The strike will have a massive impact on the country’s rail network, including long-distance trains, and the impact is expected to continue even after the action ends.

High inflation in Europe’s largest economy has prompted strikes in recent months as workers demand higher pay to offset the rising cost of living.

The Verdi union has also called on security control workers to strike at three airports on Thursday and Friday, with Hamburg Airport saying all departures would be cancelled as a result. The strike has been met with criticism by Deutsche Bahn board member for human resources Martin Seiler, who accused EVG of having lost its sense of proportion and being bent on chaos. Another round of wage negotiations between the both sides will take place next Tuesday.

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