Airports, bus and train stations across Germany were closed on Monday, causing problems for millions of people due to one of the largest strikes in decades in Europe's leading economy.
Source. Reuters
The 24-hour strike was called by the Verdi trade union, along with the EVG railroad and transportation union.
This is one of the many European protests in recent weeks caused by a decline in living standards due to inflation.
Flights have been canceled at a number of airports, including the largest air hubs in Munich and Frankfurt am Main. The railroad operator Deutsche Bahn has also suspended services.
According to the ADV Airport Association, the action disrupted the plans of 380,000 air passengers. In Frankfurt alone, nearly 1,200 flights for 160,000 passengers were canceled. In Cologne, due to the lack of city trains, passengers are forced to take taxis.
Workers are demanding higher wages in an effort to mitigate the effects of inflation, which reached 9.3% in February, above the eurozone average.
Germany has been particularly affected by rising prices and has been forced to hastily look for new sources of energy after the suspension of gas supplies from Russia.
Background. As a reminder, German authorities are ready to arrest Russian dictator Vladimir Putin if he appears on its territory.