Chaos for millions of travelers as Germany strikes hit
STORY: Berlin’s main train station was empty on Thursday (March 7), as Germany faced strikes on several fronts, affecting millions of people.
Train drivers and airport workers walked off the job, adding to the country's economic woes at a time of looming recession.
It's the latest in a wave of industrial actions to hit the country.
High inflation and staff bottlenecks have soured wage negotiations in key parts of the transport sector, including national rail, air travel and public transport.
Train drivers began a fifth round of strikes early on Thursday morning, with just one in five long-distance trains running, rail operator Deutsche Bahn said.
It accused the union of refusing to compromise.
But stranded passengers showed some understanding.
"I don't like it that much, but if that brings something, if people want to change something, why not? I can use other trains instead or travel by regional train. Or I can just not travel at all."
Also on strike were airline ground staff at Lufthansa and security staff at some airports.
In Frankfurt, Germany's busiest airport, 650 of 1,750 planned flights were canceled, according to operator Fraport.
And further woes were brewing for Lufthansa as cabin crews voted for industrial action on Wednesday (March 6).
Reporting its annual results, Lufthansa warned that strikes were a factor that would lead to a higher-than-expected operating loss in the first three months of 2024.
The ADV airport association warned that strikes were damaging Germany's reputation as a center for business and tourism.
