Largest strike in decades brings Germany to a standstill

BERLIN/FRANKFURT, March 27 (Reuters) - Airports and bus and train stations across Germany were at a standstill on Monday, causing disruption for millions at the start of the working week during one of the largest walkouts in decades as Europe's biggest economy reels from inflation.

The 24-hour "warning" strikes called by the Verdi trade union and railway and transport union EVG were the latest in months of industrial action which has hit major European economies as higher food and energy prices dent living standards.

They kicked off three days of wage talks which could lead to further strikes if they fail to yield a compromise. Employers have offered 5% more wages over a period of 27 months and a one-off payment of 2,500 euros - proposals unions, which are calling for double digit hikes, call unacceptable amid soaring inflation which reached 9.3% in February.