On the 27th (local time), Europe’s largest economy was paralyzed by Germany’s largest trade union strike in decades.
According to foreign media such as Deutsche Welle (DW), AFP, and CNN, Ver.di, Germany’s second largest public service union, and the Railroad and Transport Workers’ Union (EVG) demanded a wage increase commensurate with high inflation, with zero on that day. A 24-hour general strike was held from the city.
More than 400,000 Verdi and 30,000 EVGs participated in the strike. Verdi’s side said it was “the largest strike in decades.”
Verdi represents approximately 2.5 million public sector workers. It is the second largest organization after Germany’s largest union, IG Metal. EVG employs 230,000 workers in railway and bus companies, including state-owned railway operator Deutsche Bahn.
The general strike on this day caused extreme chaos in Europe’s largest economy as almost all airports, ports, railways and some regional metro lines in Germany were stopped.
Thousands of flights were canceled and the rail network was paralyzed. Rail networks and port freight traffic also took a hit as dockers joined in.
All major international airports in Germany were affected by the strike, except Berlin Brandenburg (BER) Airport. An estimated 400,000 flights nationwide were delayed or canceled.
Frankfurt Airport, the largest hub, has had all inbound and outbound flights delayed or canceled throughout the day. Munich International Airport has already suspended flights from the previous day due to the strike. Berlin’s BER airport, the only one, was largely operational, but regular domestic flights to and from other parts of Germany were cut off.
The port of Hamburg, Germany’s largest port, also suspended calls or departures of large ships due to the strike.
Deutsche Bahn took the unusual step of canceling all long-distance routes scheduled for the day. Commuter trains were also suspended across the country.
Seven of the 16 states have disrupted most local public transportation services, including buses, trams and subways.
However, CNN reported that the German public generally broadly supported the strike. According to a recent YouGov survey, 55% of respondents supported the strike, while 38% said it was unjustified. Non-response was 8%.
Verdi is asking for an increase of 10.5% or at least 500 euros (about 700,000 won) per month. The government and the company proposed a 5% increase in the second phase and a lump sum payment of 2,500 euros (about 3.5 million won). EVG is asking for an increase of 12% or at least 650 euros (about 910,000 won) per month. In response, Deutsche Peninsula has proposed a lump sum payment and a 5% increase in the second stage.
However, the union points out that the management’s proposal does not even reach the 6.9% inflation rate of Germany last year. In February, the annual inflation rate was 8.7%.
The two unions resume wage negotiations this week. Verdi will hold the third round of negotiations in Potsdam on the same day with the DBB union. EVG will be negotiating with several railroad companies during the week.
Prior to this, Berlin, Hamburg and Hanover airports canceled more than 350 flights earlier this month. Frankfurt bus and subway workers have already gone on strike.
Some unions have succeeded in raising wages significantly. Postal workers raised their average monthly wage by 11.5% earlier this month. IG Metal, Germany’s largest union representing 4 million people, agreed on an 8.5% wage increase in November last year.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.