Amid Greece debt crisis now GERMANY runs out of cash as strikes trigger crisis
STRIKING workers in Germany have triggered a cash crisis and a looming threat to the European powerhouse economy.
There are reports of German ATMs running out of cash
On Monday, train drivers began a seven-day long walkout that has left transport and supply chains in the country in chaos.
And now cash points are reportedly running dry because courier workers in Berlin, who replenish money supplies, are also taking industrial action.
Many Germans have posted on Twitter of their frustration at being unable to withdraw money, with ATMs simply displaying 'out of service' messages.
Germany - Traveling to #Germany on #business? Make sure you bring cash. The ATM machines are running out of cash. Security companies strike.
— Global CIF, LLC (@GlobalCIF) May 5, 2015
Germany, bring cash, workers who fill up ATM's are on strike, cash shortages at machines or empty.
— Easy Travel Report (@EasyTravelReprt) May 6, 2015
@BofA_Community Germany is totally bankrupt! A lot of your partner bank's Deutsche Bank's ATM's are repeatedly out of service. No cash!
— axel (@axelmojave) May 5, 2015
Germany has also been hit by a walkout from pilots of airline Lufthansa – Europe's largest carrier.
The German economy has been the best performing in the eurozone since the 2008 financial crisis and has helped to prop up ailing countries such as Greece and France.
But this week's strikes threaten to put the brakes on the nation's boom.
Chancellor Angela Merkel has stepped into the ongoing dispute by branding the walkouts "poison" for the German economy, as she urged the two sides to find a deal.
"Striking is a right in Germany. Nevertheless I believe that these strikes are creating a serious burden for many people and many companies," said Mrs Merkel.
The strike by workers of train company Deutshce Bahn is the eighth in a number of walkouts.
Rail unions want a pay rise and change to working conditions.
The dispute has been ongoing for a year, but the latest strike - the longest in the history of the railway - is estimated to be costing the German economy around €500million (£372million).
[Additional reporting by Reuters]