2024-10-03 06:08:24
A strike in the cash transport industry is leaving ATMs empty ahead of the long weekend. Customers should turn to alternatives.
The strike in the cash transport industry, which lasted several days, had its first effects before the long weekend. Bank customers may face problems when withdrawing cash from ATMs. The institutions nationwide are affected to varying degrees and are responding with various measures, as a spokesman for the German Savings Banks and Giro Association explained.
“In individual cases, customers may have to switch to other ATMs at their institution,” the spokesman continued. However, the situation is expected to ease soon.
The Verdi union has extended the strike after it started on Monday. Employees in some federal states were also called to stop work on Tuesday and Wednesday. The reason is the wage and collective bargaining for around 10,000 employees at cash and valuables transport companies.
The industry association BDGW criticized the strike again. A strike of this magnitude, which was announced at very short notice, was “already unusual,” said a spokeswoman. According to the spokeswoman, it goes without saying that given the initially unforeseeable extension of the work stoppages to three days and before a public holiday with a bridge day, there will be restrictions.
So far there has been no evidence of widespread bottlenecks from either banks or member companies. However, it could be that individual ATMs in city centers that are not supplied with cash for three days will “at some point be empty”.
Banks and savings banks have prepared to ensure the cash supply as best as possible. Customers can continue to pay cashless in retail stores, restaurants or gas stations. Additionally, many of these places also offer cash withdrawals.
According to the German Trade Association (HDE), no effects on retail are currently foreseeable. If the strike lasts longer, more customers could pay by card or use the cash withdrawal service. However, so far there has been no significant increase in these payouts, the Rewe Group explained upon request.