Inflation in Germany: massive and unprecedented strikes in public transport
Audio 01:17
Since Monday, March 27, public transport has been largely disrupted at the call of two unions who are demanding better wages to fight inflation. Germany had not experienced such disruptions in 31 years. REUTERS - FABIAN BIMMER
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Since Monday, March 27, public transport has been largely disrupted at the call of two unions who are demanding better wages to fight inflation. Germany had not experienced such disruptions in 31 years.
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From our correspondent in Berlin, Delphine Nerbollier
The Gare de l'Est is empty. No train, no passengers on the horizon, except this young man, apparently surprised not to see regional trains on Monday: "I was aware, but I thought the RER would run. Too bad, I'm going to take a taxi.
»In front of this station, a hundred strikers gathered to demand wage increases: 650 euros more per month for employees of transport companies, or 12% increase. The aim is to go beyond the high inflation affecting Germany, which rose by 8.5% in February.
No blockage for Easter holidays
«
The price increase is enormous. And the situation is such that colleagues do not have enough money at the end of the month. Many of them are leaving the sector. If we want to keep these workers, we have to raise wages. And if we want to ensure the ecological transition of the sector, thanks to the railway, we must offer attractive working conditions, "says Cosima Ingolschay, of the EVG union.
These warning strikes take place as part of wage negotiations. The unions hope to reach an agreement, but if not, they assure them, they will not block transport for the Easter holidays that begin this Friday.
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Read on on the same topics:
- Germany
- Transport
- Social issues