Barig: Strikes ruin German reputation

Conditions that were previously common in Italy or France have long since arisen in the German transport system. Some union is constantly calling for a strike and, from the employee representatives' point of view, the employers are behaving "stubbornly". Germany's reputation would suffer massively as a result, said Barig boss Michael Hoppe.

“For outsiders, Germany presents a sad picture these days. The country, which previously enjoyed a reputation in the world as a guarantee of quality, reliability and punctuality, is now showing itself to be unpredictable and chaotic abroad - currently particularly in the area of ​​mobility. The various strike actions, which are difficult to understand, cause massive economic damage, for which companies and consumers ultimately have to pay. In 2024, for example, the strikes have already led to several thousand flight cancellations in Germany alone and are having a lasting impact on global connectivity. From the health sector to working people and the education system: reliable everyday mobility is currently impossible for millions of people. Germany, which is already a badly hit transport location, is suffering even more as a result of the uncompromising behavior of the strikers. International traffic will therefore continue to shift to other hubs. Germany's reputation is suffering massively. That is why politicians and especially the federal government have an obligation to urgently create fair procedural rules for industrial disputes, including in public transport. In the interests of the entire economy and society, action must be taken as quickly as possible,” explains Hoppe.