Thousands of flights and train services in Germany are expected to be canceled due to a strike. Unions are demanding a reduction in working hours from 38 to 35 per week and a minimum wage increase of 500 euros.
Following a strike call by two unions over wages and working conditions in Germany, thousands more flights and train services are expected to be canceled this week.
Lufthansa estimates that the two-day strike will affect around 200,000 air passengers, leading to the cancellation of about a thousand flights daily, similar to previous strikes.
The German train drivers' union GDL and Ver.di have announced strikes for Thursday and Friday.
Negotiations continue for Lufthansa's ground staff and Deutsche Bahn's train drivers.
The strike in long-distance and regional train services will start at 2:00 AM on Thursday, impacting millions of passengers and is expected to last until 1:00 PM on Friday, according to GDL.
The freight transport strike will begin at 6:00 PM on Wednesday and end at 5:00 AM on Friday.
In addition to wage increases, GDL demanded a reduction in weekly working hours from 38 to 35 without a pay cut, which Deutsche Bahn refused.
Ver.di is seeking a 12.5% wage increase or at least 500 euros more per month for about 25,000 Lufthansa ground workers, including check-in, maintenance, and transportation staff.
Germany has witnessed numerous strikes in the railway, air, and local transport sectors recently.