Massive protests over pay cripple transport in Germany

German unions called on thousands of workers across the country's transport system to stage a one-day strike on Monday that brought widespread disruption to planes, trains and local transit. (AP)

The strikes, which were scheduled to mainly start just after midnight and affect services throughout Monday, are the latest in months of industrial action that has hit major European economies as higher food and energy prices dent living standards. (Reuters)

Verdi service workers union chair Frank Werneke (left) called 120,000 workers to walk out. Those included security and ground workers at all German airports except Berlin, local transit employees in seven of Germany's 16 states, harbor employees and workers on highways. (Reuters)

The Verdi union was negotiating on behalf of around 2.5 million employees in the public sector, including in public transport and at airports. Railway and transport union EVG negotiated for around 230,000 employees at railway operator Deutsche Bahn and bus companies. (Reuters)

A display board shows the list of cancelled flights at Frankfurt airport during the nationwide strike. (Reuters)

Verdi had been demanding a 10.5 per cent wage hike, which would see pay rising by at least 500 euros ($538) per month. Employers have offered a total of 5 per cent in two stages plus one-time payments of 2,500 euros ($2,700). (AP)

Transport union EVG had been asking for a 12 per cent raise or at least 650 euros per month. Deutsche Bahn also had offered a two-stage raise totaling 5 per cent plus one-time payments. (AP)

Union bosses warned that considerable pay hikes were a "matter of survival" for thousands of workers and management calling demands and the resulting action "completely excessive". (AP)

Numerous travelers wait for a train at Hamburg's main train station, Sunday, March 26, 2023, on the eve of a warning strike. (AP)