Germany: Public sector strike in Frankfurt April 13 /update 5

Event

The Verdi public sector union has announced another “warning strike” in Frankfurt (Hesse state) for Friday, April 13. Public sector employees affiliated with the Verdi union - including those working in public transport, hospitals, childcare clinics, and waste management centers – are expected to stage walkouts. All U-Bahn lines and tram lines in Frankfurt will be closed for the duration of the strike. However, S-Bahn lines and buses are expected to run as normal. An associated protest is scheduled to take place at 11:15 (local time) at Roßmarkt. An increased security presence is likely in the vicinity of the demonstration, as well as localized traffic disruptions.

Additional strikes are likely in other cities throughout Germany, as well as accompanying transportation disruptions.

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 Frankfurt are advised to monitor developments to the situation, anticipate transportation disruptions, avoid all demonstrations and protests as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.