BERLIN: Airports and bus and train stations across Germany were at standstill, causing disruption for millions at start of working week during one of largest walkouts in decades as Europe's biggest economy reels from inflation.

24-hour "Warning" strikes called by Verdi trade union and railway and transport union EVG were latest in months of industrial action which has hit major European economies as higher food and energy prices dent living standards

They kicked off three days of wage talks which could lead to further strikes if they fail to yield compromise. Employers have offered 5 percent more wages over period of 27 months and one-off payment of 2,500 euros proposals unions, which are calling for double digit hikes, call unacceptable amid soaring inflation which reached 9.3 percent in February.

Germany, which was heavily dependent on Russia for gas before war in Ukraine has been particularly hard hit by higher prices as it scrambled for new energy sources, with inflation rates exceeding euro-area average in recent months. Airports Association ADV estimated that 380,000 air passengers were affected by flight suspensions including at two of Germany's largest airports in Munich and Frankfurt.

Published in The Daily National Courier, March, 28 2023

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