Germany Hit by Widespread Public-Sector Strikes

World | March 5, 2008, Wednesday // 00:00
Germany Hit by Widespread Public-Sector Strikes Lufthansa said it would cancel domestic and European-bound flights, but assured long-haul international flights would not be affected during the massive public-sector strike in Germany. Photo by BBC

A new round of public-sector strikes hit Germany on Wednesday as workers at the country's airports walked off the job, while train workers also threatened to join the strike.

The Verdi trade union, which is trying to win an 8 percent wage increase for some 2 million federal and local government workers, said employees at eight airports would strike on Wednesday, BBC reported.

Lufthansa said it would cancel domestic and European-bound flights, but assured long-haul international flights would not be affected.

The airline urged passengers to take the train instead but separate strikes by union BVG are also expected for Wednesday, reducing train services.

Train drivers' union GDL has also threatened strikes starting next Monday on both passenger and freight trains.

When a strike by GDL unions took place last November, it caused considerable disruption and economists estimated that it cost EUR 75 M.

The planned strikes for Wednesday come after Verdi union members staffing buses, trains, waterworks and schools took part in walk-outs on Tuesday.

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