Germany’s transport network is at a near standstill as the country experiences one of its largest strikes in decades.
Staff at airports, ports, railways, buses and subways walked out shortly after midnight for a 24-hour stoppage.
Two of the Germany’s largest unions are demanding higher wages to help with the rising cost of living.
The country’s Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said she was optimistic an agreement would be reached this week.
“Many public service workers are suffering the high energy prices and high inflation,” she told Reuters on Monday. “That’s why it’s our job to find a good agreement.”
There have recently been smaller walkouts by other public servants.
Monday’s “mega strike”, as it has been dubbed in local media, has affected commuter and regional trains operated by Deutsche Bahn, Germany’s national rail operator.
Local transport services, including trams and buses, are also not operating in seven states.
“Petrol and food prices have risen,” one protester in Berlin told the AFP news agency. “I’m feeling it in my wallet.”
Thousands of flights have been cancelled, including at two of the country’s biggest airports – Munich and Frankfurt.
Multiple flights from Munich Airport were also disrupted on Sunday by strike action. (BBC)
