Massive nationwide transport strike brings Germany to a standstill.
A nationwide 24-hour strike by two major unions in Germany has caused major disruptions to almost all planes, trains, and buses. The strike was organized to coincide with the start of a third round of talks with public sector employers in several transport sectors. The unions are seeking pay increases of at least 10.5% and have rejected offers of two staggered 5% increases as well as one-off payments. The blocked ports, canceled flights, and empty train lines could bring costs of up to €181 million ($195 million), but financial experts say the economic impacts of a one-day strike are limited.
