Two German trade unions representing them Transport workers call for strike next Monday which are expected to cause problems for the country’s railways and airports.

The strikes, which are expected to start just after midnight and affect services throughout Monday, will be the latest in a series of strikes across major European economies. higher food and energy prices have affected incomes and living standards.

The Verdi union is negotiating on behalf of 2.5 million public sector workers, including public transport and airport workers. The railway and transport union EVG is negotiating on behalf of around 230,000 employees of Deutsche Bahn and bus transport companies.

Verdi is demanding a 10.5% salary increase, with a salary increase of at least €500 per month, while EVG is demanding a 12% increase, or at least €650 per month.

“We represent groups of workers who are actually moving this country and getting paid too little for it,” said Verdi chairman Frank Wernecke.

Verdi called on about 120,000 transport and infrastructure workers, including airports, shipping companies and highway management companies, to join the strike.

OUR German railway and other government organizations are offering pay increases of around 5% on average, together with a severance pay of up to 2,500 euros.

“We don’t want any further escalation. We want a contractual offer,” said Martin Burkert, president of the EVG trade union, which represents 50 transport companies, including rail operator Deutsche Bahn. According to EVG, the possibility of more strikes on the eve of the Catholic Easter holidays in April cannot be ruled out.

Deutsche Bahn has criticized the planned strikes as unwarranted and unnecessary, urging management to make a responsible proposal. The company said it expects massive problems with rail transport across the country.

The German Airport Association ADV also condemned the strikes which are expected to affect about 380,000 air passengers on Monday.

According to APE-MPE and Reuters