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Deutsche Bahn Warns Passengers: Brace for Full Trains This Weekend
It's a double whammy for Deutsche Bahn (DB) as they attempt to rectify rail operations in southern Germany following winter weather mayhem, all while preparing for an impending timetable change scheduled for Sunday. According to DB spokesperson, Achim Stauß, striking during such a critical period is "uncooperative."
The German Drivers' Union (GDL) isn't just causing headaches in passenger services; they're also interfering with freight transportation, which in turn disrupts industries such as power plants, blast furnaces, and the automotive and chemical sectors. DB Cargo is making its best efforts to keep trains running, but delays are inevitable.
Orchestrating a nationwide warning strike starting from 6 p.m. on Thursday, the GDL targeted both freight and passenger transport. The strike will last 24 hours and culminate at 10 p.m. on Friday. In response, DB has developed an emergency timetable, but they anticipate cancellations and delays across local and long-distance services.
Setting the stage for this confrontation is the collective bargaining session between DB and the GDL. Kick-starting in early November, the primary conflict revolves around the GDL's plea for a 35-hour workweek in shift work, whereas DB refuses to engage in negotiations on this point due to the current scarcity of skilled labor.
Political scientist and trade union expert, Wolfgang Schröder, shares his perspective, encouraging DB management to be more open to concessions. He opines, "The rigid stance the railroad management initially took against the GDL’s worktime demands, suddenly allowed this conflict to become highly polarizing."
Interesting enrichment insight:
In December, expectations might shift as the German Train Drivers' Union previously called for a nationwide strike, although current reports indicate no ongoing actions. However, disputes have been a recurring theme, with collective bargaining negotiations in 2024 resulting in widespread service disruptions.
Worthy Reading:
- DB urges passengers to brace themselves for bursting trains this weekend due to the GDL strike.
- The strike affects passenger and freight transport in southern Germany.
- The German Drivers' Union (GDL) instigated a nationwide warning strike beginning on Thursday evening.
- The GDL strike will persist for 24 hours and significantly impact DB services.
- Stauß, DB spokesperson, condemns the timing of the strike, deeming it uncooperative.
- Railion Germany, DB's subsidiary, also anticipates potential service disturbances due to the strike.
- A prior halt in train operations in southern Germany caused delays and cancellations.
- The collective bargaining round between DB and the GDL unfolded in early November.
- The GDL aims for a 35-hour workweek in shift work, a request DB views as unrealistic in the face of skilled labor shortages.
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