Millions of German commuters and travelers encountered significant disruptions on Thursday as strikes intensified within the transportation sector.
Workers from the railway and airport sectors nationwide initiated strikes, causing chaos for commuters and exacerbating the economic challenges facing the nation amidst an impending recession.
The German Train Drivers’ Union (GDL) spearheaded a fifth round of strikes, protesting over working hours and compensation issues. Deutsche Bahn reported that only one in five long-distance trains remained operational, leading to considerable inconvenience for passengers.
Concurrently, ground staff at Lufthansa airline launched a two-day strike, resulting in the cancellation of 650 out of 1,750 flights at Frankfurt Airport. The ADV airport association cautioned that these strikes were tarnishing Germany’s reputation as a hub for business and tourism.
The strikes came at a crucial juncture for Germany, with the economy contracting by 0.3 percent in 2023, and the government anticipating a weaker recovery than expected. A one-day nationwide rail strike was estimated to cost around 100 million euros in economic output, according to Michael Groemling, head of economic affairs at IW Koeln.
Deutsche Bahn accused the GDL of being inflexible, with spokesperson Achim Stauss remarking, “The other side doesn’t budge a millimeter from its maximum position.” Economy Minister Robert Habeck expressed dwindling sympathy for the strikers, emphasizing the necessity for a resolution without drastic consequences for others.
Lufthansa, facing both ground staff and potential cabin crew strikes, anticipated a larger-than-anticipated operating loss in the first quarter of 2024 due to ongoing disruptions.
The strikes stemmed from separate disputes over pay and working conditions. GDL demanded a reduction in the working week from 38 to 35 hours without a pay cut, a proposition rejected by Deutsche Bahn.
According to BBC, GDL head Claus Weselsky criticized management, highlighting a 14 percent increase in management salaries with millions in bonuses while workers contributed to the company’s recovery.
At Lufthansa, the Ver.di union demanded a 12.5 percent pay rise or a minimum of €500 more per month, citing ground staff struggling with minimum wage despite the company’s soaring profits. Lufthansa’s offer of a 10 percent pay increase was deemed insufficient by the union.
As the strikes persisted, with potential repercussions for the German economy and international business and tourism, negotiations remained crucial for a resolution.
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