German public backs strikers in 6-day rail strike, union boss says
Despite the widespread disruptions caused by the six-day rail strike against German state-owned railway Deutsche Bahn, union leader Claus Weselsky said on Thursday that he believes public opinion remains on the side of the strikers.
Views expressed in the newspaper or on talk shows aren't what matter, Weselsky said at a rally in Stuttgart, "but public opinion."
He said the distinction matters because "the majority of people in this country are employees - regardless of their qualifications, regardless of the industry or company in which they work."
Weselsky said he understands that the strike in causing problems for travellers, commuters and businesses.
"But we are striking so that this rail system is healthy and the people who work there can stay healthy for a long time - and, above all, enjoy their job again," Weselsky said.
On Thursday, Weselsky once again lashed out at Deutsche Bahn's management: "We are tired of working in a bankrupt, dilapidated system, of sacrificing our free time for the guys who let themselves be driven around this country in big limousines with chauffeurs and talk about how they understand the rail system."
