Fresh strikes in Germany

Another day of strikes by public sector workers, this time in the German states of Baden-Württemberg, Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg Western Pomerania, is affecting public transport, rubbish collection, day care centers and other public services.

The strikes come ahead of key talks between the Verdi union and employers on Thursday and Friday. After a wave of strikes that started at the beginning of March, employers had offered a 3.3-percent pay rise for the next two years as well as a one-off payment.

Verdi, which is demanding a 6.5-percent raise or a minimum of 200 euros more in workers' pockets, has dismissed the offer as too low.

Verdi chief Frank Bsirske told Hanover daily Neue Presse that he thinks the chances of an agreement without further strikes was "50-50," but he has not ruled out joint action with the industrial union IG Metall.

"That would mean the two biggest sectors would be on strike at the same time. That has never happened before in Germany," Bsirske told the paper.

Major disruption

Thousands of commuters are having to find alternative means of transport, as buses, trams and trains stay in their depots. Workers at hospitals, creches, job centers, pre-schools and nurseries are joining the strike, and in many places trash is not being collected.

Demonstrations are being held across the three states, including the southwestern city of Stuttgart and Kiel in the North.

ng/tm (dapd, dpa)