German unions call for a general transport strike on Monday

German unions are calling on thousands of workers in the country’s transport system to stage an all-day strike on Monday that is expected to cause widespread disruption to planes, trains and local public transport.

The Verdi service workers’ union and the EVG union, which represents many railway workers, announced the 24-hour strike in a joint appearance on Thursday, as employees across many sectors demanded raises to fight inflation.

These will include security guards and ground guards at all German airports except Berlin.

Verdi is engaged in a series of salary negotiations, he demands a 10.5% salary increase. The employers offered a total of 5% in two stages plus one-off payments of €2,500. Stag party is asking for a 12% increase. Deutsche Bahn, Germany’s main rail operator, also offered a two-step increase totaling 5% plus one-off payments.

Germany’s annual inflation rate in February was 8.7%.

These are the latest strikes and protests to hit major European economies as rising food and energy prices have dented incomes and living standards in the wake of the pandemic and war in Ukraine.