Prepare yourself, German train travelers and commuters, as a 24-hour warning strike by the German Train Drivers' Union (GDL) is set to disrupt your journeys starting from Thursday evening. This labor action, kicking off at 10 PM, will continue until midnight on Friday. However, anticipate potential disruptions even before the festivities begin on Thursday.
Berlin and Hamburg residents, take heed—your S-Bahn services could be impacted by this work stoppage. Similar consequences loom over long-distance and regional transport sectors, with freight transport hitting the brakes as early as 6 PM on Thursday. The GDL's goal is to push for shorter working hours for shift workers.
Deutsche Bahn is far from amused, labeling the GDL's actions as reckless and self-centered. Staging these strikes during holiday seasons, they argue, is thoughtless and unfair to millions of commuters. The GDL, on the other hand, maintains its grit and determination after a 14-year history of standing up for its employees' rights, last going on strike with Deutsche Bahn on November 15 and 16, 2023.
Insight: Recent Strikes in the German Public Transportation Sector
While there was no major 24-hour German train drivers' strike this year, the sector has experienced recent labor disputes. In January 2025, the Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) staged a 24-hour public transport strike, affecting buses, trams, and the U-Bahn in Berlin [1][2].
However, Deutsche Bahn and the German Railway and Transport Union (EVG) reached a collective agreement in February 2025, averting a potential strike in 2025. The deal, including a 6.5% pay increase for employees, job security till 2027, and additional benefits for shift workers, successfully avoided disruptions [3][4].
Potential Disruptions
Given the recent history of strikes, should another work stoppage occur, it will likely affect commuters in Berlin, Hamburg, and other regions as follows:
- U-Bahn and Trams: These services would likely be suspended or operate with low frequencies.
- Buses: Most bus services would be out of service or run with reduced frequencies.
- S-Bahn and Regional Trains: These services, operated by Deutsche Bahn, would continue to run normally, but may face overcrowding due to increased demand for alternative modes of transportation [1][2].
Alternative Transportation Options
During such disruptions, commuters might consider alternative transportation methods like:
- Bicycles and E-Scooters: Berlin's well-developed bike lane network and e-scooter services could see increased usage during strikes.
- Car-Sharing and Ride-Hailing: Services like Share Now and ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt might face increased demand, though price surges could make rides pricier.
- Walking: For shorter distances, many residents opt to walk, especially in central districts where essential services remain accessible [1][2].
In a nutshell, while no specific sign of a 24-hour German train drivers' strike this year, the history of strikes and collective bargaining agreements in the German public transportation sector suggests that commuters in Berlin, Hamburg, and other areas may face disruptions. Alternative transportation options can help mitigate the impact of potential work stoppages.
