GDL Strike Cripples Rail Services - Essential Information
Once again, a labor action by the GDL (German Train Drivers' Union) promises to bring a wave of travel chaos. From this Thursday evening to Friday, numerous train cancellations are on the horizon, and the German Railroad (Deutsche Bahn) is urging customers to reconsider or postpone non-essential journeys.
Here's everything you need to know about the coming strike:
When exactly?
The GDL has scheduled its warning strike to commence at 10 PM this Thursday. However, passengers should prepare for disruptions throughout the day. The strike will continue until 10 PM on Friday. In freight transport, the industrial action will begin at 6 PM on Thursday evening.
Which services are impacted?
Employees from various sectors, including those working for Deutsche Bahn and subsidiaries like S-Bahn operations in Berlin and Hamburg, as well as Transdev, AKN, and City-Bahn Chemnitz, are joining the strike. This means you'll likely face significant disruptions in long-distance, regional, and freight transport throughout Germany.
However, it's worth noting that all other rail companies are technically free to operate. While GDL predominantly represents train drivers and crews, train dispatchers (responsible for coordinating train services nationwide) are not heavily represented by the union.
What should I expect?
Like previous warning strikes, Deutsche Bahn aims to maintain around 20% of long-distance services. However, expect this number to be challenging to achieve in Bavaria, as it continues to cope with the aftermath of heavy snowfall.
In regional services, expect considerable reductions due to the high number of GDL-affiliated employees, particularly in the eastern German states and the southwest. It may not be business as usual in many urban regions.
How can I check my train's status?
Using the Bahn app or the Bahn website should give you a general idea of which trains are running and which aren't. Emergency timetables for long-distance services will be available through these sources, starting from Thursday afternoon. Alternatively, customers can reach out to Deutsche Bahn's strike hotline at 08000/99 66 33 for individual information.
What about my ticket?
Passengers can postpone their scheduled journeys (December 7 or 8) with ease, as their tickets remain valid for the original destination, even if the route is rerouted. Seat reservations can be canceled free of charge, and passengers also have the option to bring their journeys forward and travel on Thursday prior to the strike.
In case of ticketed train cancellations, passengers are entitled to a complete refund.
More info on GDL's demands
The union is primarily seeking a reduction of weekly working hours for shift workers from 38 to 35 hours, a demand that German Railroad does not support. The GDL is also pushing for an increase of 555 euros per month and inflation compensation bonus. Deutsche Bahn had countered with a wage increase of 11%, spread over 32 months, as well as an inflation compensation bonus.
Will there be more strikes before Christmas?
GDL has stated that the upcoming week's industrial action will be the last strike in effect up until January 7, 2024. After that, the union has yet to announce its intentions for further action in the ongoing wage dispute. On December 19, GDL will report the results of its member ballot to decide on potential indefinite strike action. For the time being, talks between GDL and Deutsche Bahn are at an impasse, with no clear path to resolution on the horizon.
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