The German Railway and Transport Workers Union (EVG Union) has declared a new 50-hour strike to protest wage increases, as talks with Deutsche Bahn, Germany’s national train company, and other railway firms continue without a conclusion. The strike, which will begin at 8:00 p.m. local time on May 14 and end at 10:00 p.m. on May 16, is the latest in a series of industrial actions across Europe by workers protesting against insufficient income to cope with the cost of living crisis.
The EVG Union, which represents 230,000 workers, including 180,000 railway workers, is seeking a 12 percent wage increase, or at least an additional 650 euros ($715) per month. The union has said that another strike is inevitable because progress in the negotiations has been too slow. The union’s demand for a wage increase has been a point of contention with Deutsche Bahn and other railway companies.
The strike follows a similar action in April that saw railroad workers across the country go on strike, resulting in the paralysis of most of the railway network. Strikes at airports in Germany by members of other unions have also taken place.
The German railways have expressed their displeasure at the strike, stating that it is unreasonable and inappropriate because they have tried to comply with the demands of the labor unions and have proposed a wage increase. Despite this, the union believes that the proposed wage increase is insufficient, considering the high cost of living in Germany.
The 50-hour strike is likely to cause significant disruptions to train services across Germany, affecting thousands of passengers and businesses. The EVG Union has advised passengers to seek alternative modes of transportation during the strike period.