This behavior goes beyond working conditions.
German train drivers have announced that they will begin a last-minute strike starting tonight. This is the fourth strike this year.
Passenger services operated by Germany’s main railway company, Deutsche Bahn (DB), will be suspended from 10pm tonight (Thursday) until 10pm tomorrow (Friday).
DB warned passengers to expect “significant restrictions and cancellations”.
The strike was called by the GDL union after negotiations with DB over pay and working hours broke down.
Where do trains get disrupted?
DB operates trains throughout Germany.
Commuter trains in Berlin and Hamburg are damaged.
DB said: “Long-haul, regional and S-Bahn services may be subject to delays or cancellations.”
They said trains would run according to strike timetables, “ensuring only very limited basic services on DB’s long-distance, regional and S-Bahn services”.
The strength of GDL among drivers and some other railway employees varies by region. The good news is that some local services run by private operators are not affected by the conflict.
You can check the DB timetable here.
What is your advice to passengers?
My advice is to avoid riding the DB train unless absolutely necessary.
Specifically, DB urges passengers to “avoid unnecessary travel during the GDL strike and postpone your trip to another time.”
Refunds: What are the rights of rail passengers?
According to DB, there are various options if your train is cancelled.
- As part of our ‘Special Arrangements’, you can bring your trip forward and leave earlier today. DB recommends starting your trip as early as possible to arrive at your destination early in the evening, as disruption is expected before the official start of the strike at 10pm.
- You can postpone your trip and use your ticket at a later date of your choice. There are no restrictions on when you can use your ticket.
- Seat reservations can be canceled free of charge.
- If your train is cancelled, you can get a full refund without any deductions.
See details Click here from Deutsche Bahn.
Why do German railway strikes occur?
GDL wants to reduce working hours from the current 38 to 35 hours per week without reducing wages, but train operator Deutsche Bahn has so far refused.
GDL head Klaus Wesselski said railway chiefs were “not only ignoring the legitimate needs of their own employees” by refusing to agree to reduced working hours. .
“They are also taking the urgent necessary steps to ensure successful recruitment.”
This “jeopardizes the future of rail, the most climate-friendly mode of transport,” he said.
Martin Sailer, head of human resources at Deutsche Bahn, criticized the planned strike as “irresponsible and selfish”.
“Instead of negotiating and facing reality, the train drivers’ union is striking over demands it cannot meet.”
GDL is also asking for a monthly salary increase of 555 euros and a lump-sum payment of up to 3,000 euros for employees to combat inflation. Deutsche Bahn has announced that it has made an offer equivalent to an 11% price increase.
Could there be more strikes in Germany on Christmas?
Limited “warning strikes” are a common tactic in German wage negotiations, but the GDL could soon expand its actions.
The union has already begun voting on its members for a full-scale strike and plans to announce the results on December 19th.
The dispute between the train operator and rival union EVG, which is larger and traditionally less aggressive, was settled earlier this year after both sides accepted an arbitrator’s offer.