German Rail Workers Announce 50-Hour Strike Demanding Higher Wages Amid Inflation Concerns

The German transport union, EVG, has announced another round of strikes on the country’s rail network as workers demand higher wages to cope with the high rates of inflation. The latest industrial action will begin at 10:00 pm local time on Sunday and end on the night of Tuesday to Wednesday at midnight. The union represents 230,000 workers across 50 transport companies, including national rail operator Deutsche Bahn.

Escalating Dispute Between the Union and Management

This walkout is the latest in a series of strikes on Germany’s rail system, as the dispute between the union and management continues to escalate. EVG is demanding a 12-percent pay rise over one year for the workers it represents, with a minimum increase of 650 euros ($712) a month. The union rejected Deutsche Bahn’s initial offer of a five-percent increase in two steps, covering 27 months, plus an “inflation bonus” of 2,500 euros.

EVG’s Deputy Chairwoman Cosima Ingenschay stated that “Workers’ patience is now really exhausted. We are forced to go on strike for 50 hours to show how serious the situation is.” She added that “The company must understand that its employees are not prepared to put up with further real wage losses in view of the high inflation rate.”

Inflation Concerns in Germany

Inflation has cooled slightly in Germany in recent months but remained very elevated in April at 7.2 percent. This high inflation rate is affecting workers across different sectors, including healthcare, childcare, and transport. As a result, workers in these sectors have gone on strike to demand better wages and conditions.

The rail system was largely brought to a halt in a major strike at the end of March led by EVG and fellow union Verdi. Another shorter strike followed in mid-April. The latest strike action is set to cause major disruption to train services across Germany, with EVG warning that many regional and long-distance trains will be cancelled or delayed. Passengers are advised to check their travel plans and consider alternative modes of transport during the strike period