The German trade union Verdi has called for a nationwide strike in public transport in Germany on Friday. Over 90,000 employees at more than 130 companies – operating buses, trams and underground trains – are expected to participate.

The strike concerns wages and working conditions. Verdi's Vice Chairwoman, Christine Behle, states that the union is demanding a 35-hour working week with no loss of pay in order to make the work more attractive.

Many public transport companies are struggling to fill vacancies, leading to a vicious cycle of overworked and sick employees.

”Buses and trains are being cancelled due to a lack of staff,” says Behle.

The train drivers at the state-owned railway company Deutsche Bahn are not affected. They went on strike last week, but after the GDL trade union and DB agreed to continue negotiations, the strike has currently been called off.

Source: TT-DI.SE