2023 German public transport strike

The 2023 German public transport strike was a nationwide labor strike that occurred in March 2023 in Germany. The strike was organized by Ver.di and EVG, two major transport unions, who demanded a 10.5% pay increase for their members to offset rising food and energy costs. This strike was one of the largest to affect Germany in decades and impacted airports - including those in Munich, Frankfurt, and Hamburg - public transport, and the country's largest seaport. Railroad services, as well as early morning regional and commuter rail services, were suspended throughout the country.[1]

2023 Germany Strike
Date27 March 2023
Location
Germany
GoalsDemand for a 10.5% pay increase for transport workers to offset rising energy and food costs
MethodsLabor strike
StatusEnded after 24 hours, negotiations resumed between unions and employers
Parties
Employers
Number
Over 400,000 transport workers

The strike involved over 400,000 transport workers, making it the largest transport workers' action since a series of strikes in the 1990s. Its aim was to serve as a warning to the government and employers about the potential consequences of failing to negotiate salary increases that would keep pace with inflation. A YouGov poll revealed that around 55% of Germans considered the strike to be justified. Although Karin Welge, a spokesperson for VKA, a group that represents public sector employers, called the strike an "unprovoked escalation," the unions argued that it was necessary to make it clear to employers that employees support their demands. The strike was mostly peaceful, but it caused significant disruption to travel and commerce in Germany, which is Europe's largest economy. After 24 hours, the strike ended, and negotiations between the unions and employers resumed.[2][3]

References

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  1. ^ "Strikes in Germany disrupt flights and trains, 'paralyzing' Europe's biggest economy | CNN Business". 27 March 2023.
  2. ^ Schuetze, Christopher F. (27 March 2023). "Commutes Come to a Halt in Germany as Transport Workers Strike". The New York Times.
  3. ^ "Germany's transport workers stage strike, demanding higher wages".