Expert on strike in Germany: transport workers’ demands are justified
The demands of workers in airports, rail, sea freight, car companies and local transport, who launched the largest strike in Germany on the night of March 27th, are more than justified – as explained by Gregor Spitzen, a political scientist and independent German journalist, in his talk with the Soloviev Live TV channel
The strike was organised by EVG and Verdi trade unions in order to achieve higher wages for transport workers in the face of sharply increased inflation. This mass action has become part of the growing social tensions in Germany.
“It’s too early to talk about the results of the strike. However, the public transport union’s demand for a 12 percent increase in wages during the year seems reasonable enough, taking into account the level of current inflation and the economic situation expected this year. In 2023, economic growth is predicted to be no more than 0.25 percent of GDP while inflation is expected to be at the level of 6 percent,” said Gregor Spitzen.
According to the political expert, if the 12 percent surcharge is applied, inflation will ‘eat up’ half of it this year.
“Therefore, the demands of railway and road workers are more than justified. It is still difficult to say what the outcome [of the strike] will be, but I really hope that there will not be a second such action during the Easter holidays [in Germany],” said Gregor Spitzen.
