Nationwide Rail Strike: GDL Initiates 24-Hour Walkout
The rail strike (Bahnstreik) is slated to conclude after 24 hours at 10 p.m. on Friday The locomotive drivers’ union, GDL, has initiated a nationwide 24-hour warning strike against Deutsche Bahn, set to commence this evening, affecting Northern Germany significantly as well. The strike in passenger traffic is scheduled to begin at 10 p.m.
H2: Freight Transport Affected First, Passenger Traffic Hit at 10 PM
According to Wednesday’s union plans, the nationwide work stoppage will initially impact freight transport from 6 p.m. today before affecting both long-distance and regional rail connections from 10 p.m. The rail strike (Bahnstreik) is slated to conclude after 24 hours at 10 p.m. on Fridaytats the big news.
Regional Transportation in Northern Germany Faces Significant Disruptions – Rail Strike Bahnstreik
The walkout by train drivers also impacts regional transportation in Northern Germany. GDL is urging employees of Deutsche Bahn, as well as personnel from AKN Eisenbahn GmbH and the Transdev group, to participate in the work stoppage. Anticipated disruptions include service interruptions in Lower Saxony with Nordwestbahn, as well as the S-Bahn systems in Hamburg and Hanover. In Schleswig-Holstein, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and Bremen, numerous rail connections are expected to be canceled, leading to train delays.
Deutsche Bahn tickets can be used later Information regarding leniency measures and ticket exchange options for already purchased tickets is available on the railway’s website. Passengers who had to reschedule their planned trips during the strike period can use their tickets at a later or earlier time than initially planned. The mandatory train reservation for journeys scheduled between Thursday and Friday evenings is lifted.
ICE train of Deutsche Bahn on a track in Berlin Hauptbahnhof. © dpa Photo: Carsten Koall Rail Strike: Travelers’ Rights Starting this evening, rail travel will experience disruptions and delays due to a GDL warning strike. What actions can rail customers take?
Negotiations terminated at the end of November The union aims to reinforce demands, including a reduction in working hours for shift workers, with this renewed warning strike. GDL Chief Claus Weselsky declared the collective bargaining negotiations failed on November 24, citing the railway’s lack of flexibility in negotiating this particular point.
Weselsky, in a GDL statement, accused employers of not only disregarding the legitimate needs of their employees but also undermining essential measures for successful personnel recruitment, jeopardizing the future of the environmentally friendly mode of transportation—railways.
20-hour strike in mid-November GDL last struck against Deutsche Bahn on November 15 and 16, resulting in an approximately 80% cancellation of planned long-distance journeys. Whether long-distance services will be entirely halted this time remains uncertain. Regional transport felt more pronounced effects in some federal states, with virtually no trains or S-Bahns running in certain regions for a period.
Strong Criticism from Deutsche Bahn and Passenger Association – Rail Strike Bahnstreik
Strong criticism from Deutsche Bahn Deutsche Bahn sharply criticized the announced warning strike. Bahn Personnel Director Martin Seiler stated that striking so soon after the onset of winter and just before the schedule change is irresponsible and selfish. He added, “Instead of negotiating and facing reality, the locomotive drivers’ union strikes for unrealistic demands. This is absolutely unnecessary.”
The passenger association Pro Bahn in Lower Saxony and Bremen condemned the announced GDL warning strike as a “provocation for passengers.” Malte Diehl, Chairman of the Pro Bahn State Association, accused Weselsky of not seeking resolution but deliberately pushing for a strike. Diehl reiterated the demand for a guaranteed timetable that would be adhered to even during warning strikes, ensuring “a minimum of mobility.”
