Highlights: Germany is once again shaken by a wave of strikes, which have been hitting different sectors for weeks. The unions are demanding compensation for inflation. The fifth strike begins this Thursday, March 7. 80% of trains will not run until Friday. Air transport has also been hit. Cabin crew at Lufthansa voted overwhelmingly for a strike, the date of which remains to be specified. Warning strikes by Lufhansa ground staff, called by services union Verdi, will take place by Saturday.

Germany is once again shaken by a wave of strikes, which have been hitting different sectors for weeks. The unions are demanding compensation for inflation. Air transport is…

Germany: new transport strike announced this Thursday

Germany is once again shaken by a wave of strikes, which have been hitting different sectors for weeks.

The unions are demanding compensation for inflation.

Air transport has also been hit.

The fifth strike begins this Thursday, March 7.

Head of German train drivers' union GDL, Claus Weselsky, looks at a statement on wage negotiations with national rail operator Deutsche Bahn in Berlin, Germany, March 4, 2024. © Lisi Niesner/Reuters

By: RFI Follow

With our correspondent in Berlin,

Pascal Thibaut

Germany

, rail users will be hit hardest, with a massive work stoppage at Deutsche Bahn.

The president of the train drivers' union, the inflexible Claus Weselsky, has been polarizing for years.

Next to him, Olaf Scholz is adored by the crowds.

In recent weeks,

the four strikes

at Deutsche Bahn have not strengthened its popularity.

The fifth strike, which began during the night from Wednesday to Thursday and ended at midday on Friday, sparked an outcry.

Mediators found a compromise which partly satisfied the union's major demand, namely a reduction in weekly working hours.

It would have increased, in the medium term, from 38 to 36 hours on equal pay instead of the 35 required by the German train drivers' union.

The fact that Claus Weselsky presented an erroneous version of the agreement fuels anger against the trade unionist, accused of obtuse extremism.

No matter, 80% of trains will not run until Friday.

Air transport also on strike

The Germans are wondering if their country is not copying France, with all-out work stoppages.

Travel is also complicated by plane.

Cabin crew at Lufthansa voted overwhelmingly for a strike, the date of which remains to be specified.

Warning strikes by Lufthansa ground staff, called by services union Verdi, will take place by Saturday.

The same organization, which is on the rise, is calling for substantial wage increases in different sectors to compensate for inflation and improve working conditions.

Also read “Let’s travel together”: in Germany, trade unionists and climate activists demonstrate side by side

Germany: new transport strike announced this Thursday

Germany: new transport strike announced this Thursday

Air transport also on strike

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