German Rail Strike – GDL Threatens Chaos and Travel Disruptions

Train cancellations, delays and chaos on the tracks: This is what rail travelers all over Germany face if the train drivers’ union GDL puts its current strike plans into action. When travelers could be left behind.

• GDL strikes possible now and over Christmas

• Deutsche Bahn prepares strike emergency plan for Christmas

• Travelers have these rights

New nationwide rail strikes planned

Passengers in Germany have to prepare for strikes again and thus significant restrictions on rail traffic. The reason is this Tariff conflict between the railway and the German Locomotive Drivers’ Union (GDL).

Danger of strike at Deutsche Bahn by the GDL

On the first day of negotiations in the collective bargaining dispute, Deutsche Bahn submitted an offer on November 9th. The The front however, there are between the parties hardened. The reduction in weekly working hours required by the GDL is not included in the railway’s offer. It is therefore not impossible that the GDL will soon Warning strikes begins or holds a strike vote on indefinite strikes.

The first rail strikes could therefore take place in the next few days. And also the Christmas holidays and even the holidays are at risk, according to the GDL. The consequences for rail traffic would be dramatic: if the train drivers go on strike, no trains will run. During collective bargaining rounds in the past, the union has often demonstrated its ability to completely paralyze rail transport nationwide over a longer period of time.

Railway strike emergency plan for Christmas

Because of the GDL strike threats, Deutsche Bahn is working on an emergency timetable for the Christmas period. In the event of a strike, among other things: ICE trains that are as long as possible be used. This is how the connection of Hamburg via Cologne, Frankfurt and Stuttgart after München can be used by a 376 meter long ICE train with 918 seats. Overall, with the emergency plan in long-distance transport less than 20 percent of the scheduled trains run – only 140 instead of the usual 700 a day. A replacement bus service is not planned. Some cross-border connections are to be maintained with the help of foreign train drivers.

GDL strikes at Christmas: alternatives

Rail passengers affected by the strike can use the Bahn-Homepage* provide information about the current situation in rail traffic. In the event of a strike, the ADAC car rental, Fernbusse or the ADAC commuter network alternatives to the train. Depending on the destination, flights can also be considered.

Rail strikes 2023: EVG paralyzed train traffic

A month-long tariff dispute and the resulting warning strikes between the railway and the EVG (Railway and Transport Union) – a competing union to the GDL – have already brought rail traffic nationwide to a standstill twice this year. One agreement came End of August only came about after a two-week arbitration procedure.

With material from dpa

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