Thousands of German workers went on strike after employers rejected demands for a 6.5%pay increase last week. The strike disrupted transportation, as well as banks, hospitals and nursing homes. The workers, many of whom are public-sector transportation workers, are asking for a pay increase, but employers say that the demand is not feasible. Negotiations will resume later this month.
See "Trains, buses grind to halt as strikes hit Germany", Reuters, March 4, 2012