Germany: Nationwide public sector strikes continue April 11 /update 3

Event

Nationwide public sector strikes continued for a second consecutive day in Germany on Wednesday, April 11. Thousands of public sector employees affiliated with the Verdi union - including from hospitals, childcare clinics, and waste management centers - staged walkouts. Among the states most affected by the walkouts were Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg; Hessen, Saarland, Brandenburg, and North Rhine-Westphalia were also affected. No disruptions to air transportation were reported from the strike actions on Wednesday. Additional strikes and associated protests are possible in the coming days ahead of the April 15 negotiations between public sector workers and the federal and local governments.

Context

Numerous "warning strikes" have been held throughout the country in recent weeks and could continue in the lead-up to the next round of negotiations on April 15 between public sector workers and government officials. The Verdi union is demanding a 6 percent pay raise for millions of public sector workers, which federal and local governments claim is too steep.

Advice

Individuals in Germany are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all demonstrations and protests as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.