Article: Western Germany Hit by Massive Strike; Public Employees Seek Pay Rise to Offset Unification Taxes

A massive strike by public service employees - the first such walkout in 18 years - disrupted traffic, mail delivery and garbage collection today in major cities in western Germany.

The walkout appeared to aggravate tensions between western and eastern Germans at a time of mounting dissatisfaction with the Bonn government. The unions have demanded higher wages, in part to offset tax increases imposed last year to finance German unification.

Munich was among the hardest hit, with public transportation at a standstill and widespread traffic backups reported. Mail went undelivered in Hamburg and other cities. Although airports were not initially affected, union officials warned they may be ...

Related newspaper, magazine, and journal articles:

 
 
Newsweek Harper's Magazine The Washington Post Chicago Tribune Crain's Chicago Business PRNewswire Pediatric News The Nation Advertising Age The Economist (US) A FREE trial gives you access to over 80 million articles! Access over 6,500 publications with a FREE trial!