Quiet train stations and deserted airports. This is the picture of this Monday in various parts of Germany.
A massive 24-hour strike has paralyzed much of the country's air traffic, rail service and commuter lines. Workers at airports, ports, railroads, buses and subway lines in much of Europe's largest economy are demanding wage increases in the face of high inflation.
Philipp Schumann is a representative of the Verdi union in Hesse and emphasizes, "We are on strike for10%, 10.5% more pay, a minimum of 500 euros. The inflation rate in Germany is very high right now and was also very high last year, and our colleagues need that money to make ends meet." "
Millions of workers and commuters are affected by the strikes. Many choose to drive, causing traffic jams, while those who can work from home.
Becker MacHayer is an IT worker and notes, "Well, on the one hand it affects my comfort, of course, but on the other hand, well, I really don't know what's going on with workers' wages and so on; but I think they have a right to do these things."
