Warning of the risk of more strikes in the public transport sector in Germany

Specifically, according to DW, workers in the local public transport sector in Germany are planning to strike on different days next week in all states, except Bavaria. According to an announcement made by the Verdi union on February 22, March 1 will be the main strike day.

“In each federal state, strikes will take place on different days during this period – mostly all day and most lasting several days,” said the Verdi union.

Verdi Vice President Christine Behle said the lack of progress in collective bargaining talks had prompted the union to call for another strike.

“For negotiations to finally move forward, new pressure must be put on employers. That is why we are calling on workers to take coordinated strike action,” she stressed.

Verdi, which represents about 90,000 transport workers in about 130 municipal transport agencies, is calling for better working conditions for public transport workers, including a reduction in weekly working hours and increased holiday entitlements.

Workers in Bavaria also participated in the negotiations but are still under contract and cannot join the strike.

Workers have staged several strikes in recent weeks amid tense collective bargaining negotiations.

Fridays for Future has expressed support for the move and said it will also hold protests on March 1, demanding more action on climate change and more investment in public transport.

Germany has been hit by a series of transport strikes in recent years. In January, the GDL train drivers union staged a series of multi-day strikes to demand reduced working hours and higher wages in contract negotiations with national rail operator Deutsche Bahn.

Airport and ground security staff have also stopped working several times, causing many of Germany's largest airports to be paralyzed.

Hoang Bach (According to dpa, Reuters)