A massive strike by train drivers began in Germany on Tuesday night, leading to the cancellation of large numbers of trains and adding to road closures across the country by angry farmers. On Sunday, the German machinists’ union GDL announced a strike from 02.00 on January 10 to 18.00 on January 12.
⠀
“Due to the GDL strike, Deutsche Bahn rail traffic has been severely limited since this morning,” the company said on social media X, urging passengers to check the “emergency” timetable.
⠀
In general, Deutsche Bahn is asking passengers to avoid traveling by rail if possible until the strike is over. However, the choice in favor of road transport can also lead to problems: until the end of the week, German farmers are protesting against government plans to cut subsidies by blocking roads with their tractors.
⠀
Negotiations between GDL and Deutsche Bahn reached a deadlock on November 24, with the union demanding a wage increase of €555 per month and inflation-compensating bonuses, as well as a switch for rotating employees from a 38-hour workweek to a 35-hour week, while the company is ready to agree only to a one-time bonus and a salary increase of 11% for 32 months. In November and December, there were already strikes by railway transport employees, which led to significant interruptions in its work.
