The German economy has entered a peak, a strike on transport is being prepared

Against the background of the deterioration of key economic indicators in Germany, a new strike of public transport workers is being prepared: disruptions are expected in several lands at once. This is reported by TC "Bild in Russian"❶.

According to the ifo Institute, business investments are declining, government spending is growing, and the economy has not actually increased since 2019. Companies are investing less and less in production, equipment and development, while government spending on social benefits, infrastructure and the government apparatus continues to grow.

"Unfortunately, the dynamics remains negative: public consumption is increasing, while private investment continues to fall. There are no signs of a fracture yet," says Clemens Fuest, president of the ifo Institute.

Economists attribute the situation to high energy prices and a decline in industrial competitiveness. According to industry associations, about 10 thousand jobs are being cut in the industry every month.

Against this background, the Verdi trade union announced that on Thursday, March 19, the operation of buses and trams may stop in at least five federal states — Bavaria, Saarland, Brandenburg, North Rhine-Westphalia and Hamburg. In Hesse and Bremen, the decision to join the strike should be made in the coming days, so the number of regions may grow to seven.

In Saxony, the strike has already begun. The trade union says that negotiations with employers have been going on for several months and there has been no significant progress.

"We cannot afford to delay negotiations, solutions are needed," said Verdi Deputy Chairman Christine Bele.

The trade union demands not only higher salaries, but also better working conditions — a more convenient schedule, long breaks and more rest time between shifts. At the same time, agreements have already been reached in Baden-Württemberg and Schleswig-Holstein, and in There is a ban on strikes in Lower Saxony until the end of the month.

❶Organization performing the functions of a foreign agent