Just before nationwide warning strikes in public transport were set to begin, the union cautioned about the economic fallout and urged the trade unions to temper their actions.
Transport specialist Christoph Ploß, who works for the Bundestag’s faction, told the Rheinische Post (Friday edition) that the “permanent strikes not only strongly irritate citizens but are also increasingly weighing down the German economy”. The main victims, he said, are millions of people who rely on public transport. Ploß appealed to unions to keep the social consequences in view and to act in a “more moderate” fashion.
Verdi, in the current wage dispute, has called for warning strikes to end this week. In most regions the union intends to stop bus and rail services on both Friday and Saturday.
