Germany is preparing for a total strike on all transport services on Monday 27 March.. The strike will affect trains, airports and even motorway companies. It's a situation reminiscent of what's happening in France, as the German Airports Association ADV is quick to point out, referring to an escalation based on the French model...
Since last year, this is at least the tenth time that the Verdi and EVG unions have announced a mega-strike in Germany. The strike on 27 March will result in a near-complete halt to all forms of transport. No trains, buses or planes should be running. Motorways will also be affectedAutobahn GmbH will also be on strike.
Nearly 5.5 million passengers affected on 27 March
ADV estimates that 380,000 passengers, whether travelling for business or pleasure, will not be able to catch their flight on 27 March.. On the rails, we're talking about 5 million passengers affected. Deutsche Bahn will provide information as quickly and comprehensively as possible. It is already clear that there will be extensive free arrangements for the passengers affected.
These repeated strikes are leading to fears of a "Frenchisation" of wage demands in the German transport sector. As a result, Ralph Beisel, Managing Director of ADVThe unions are bidding farewell to the time-honoured tradition in Germany of finding solutions at the negotiating table. The strike action announced for Monday goes beyond any imaginable and justifiable measure. This has nothing to do with a warning strike. It is more likean attempt to introduce French conditions into Germany by means of a general strike" .
The same lack of understanding is evident at Deutsche Bahn, which considers the widespread warning strike by the EVG union to be pointless. According to HR Director Martin Seiler: "EVG must assume its responsibilities and return to the negotiating table immediately. We have made a responsible offer and are ready for talks at any time. The next regular negotiation date will be at the end of April, and for Martin Seiler: "To strike now and then not negotiate for four weeks is not serious for the union.
ADV is also in the midst of negotiations with the unions, which will meet again next week for a third round of negotiations. Such walkouts tarnish Germany's image as a global air hubaccording to ADV's Managing Director. For French passengers travelling to Germany or connecting from a German hub, a postponement of the trip therefore seems inevitable.
