Rail Strike Looms at Deutsche Bahn: GDL Union Calls for Action
The rail workers' union GDL has issued a call to arms, announcing an upcoming warning strike at Deutsche Bahn. The strike is set to commence beginning at 6 PM on Thursday evening for freight traffic, then shift gears to passenger traffic at 10 PM, remaining in effect until 10 PM on Friday night. While travelers may expect some restrictions beforehand, as well as in the wake of the action, an emergency timetable with limited services is expected to be in place during the strike.
German rail giant Deutsche Bahn has vowed to maintain roughly 20 percent of long-distance services during the strike, in line with their approach during previous GDL warning strikes. The emergency timetable can be found online on bahn.de and the DB Navigator app, and affected passengers can seek information by contacting Deutsche Bahn's strike hotline at 08000-996633.
According to GDL chairman Claus Weselsky, this strike will mark the union's final action for the year. However, Weselsky has hinted at further industrial action in the new year, as the union enters a ballot period for indefinite strikes. Weselsky anticipates a strong approval rate, possibly as high as 90 percent, among GDL members. To qualify for indefinite strikes, more than 75 percent of members must vote in favor of the measure, which can carry considerable financial implications for striking workers.
The effects of the warning strike in regional transport are anticipated to vary greatly depending on the region. In Bavaria, for instance, the impact may be severe due to inclement weather, while conditions could be less severe in other parts of Germany. Deutsche Bahn workers at various companies, including those based in Berlin and Hamburg, have also been called upon to participate in the strike.
The upcoming strike on Friday, which is a typically bustling day for travel, is expected to impact the plans of countless passengers. Those with scheduled journeys on Thursday or Friday are encouraged to reschedule or modify their itineraries to utilize their tickets at a later date. Train reservations can be canceled without charge.
The GDL's warning strike is intended to escalate the ongoing collective bargaining dispute, with the union aiming to emphasize its demand for a reduction in working hours for shift workers. Critics argue that employers have failed to sufficiently acknowledge and compensate their employees for the valuable work they contribute to the rail industry.
Displeasure has been expressed by passenger representatives over the short notice given for the strike announcement. National chairman Detlef Neuß of Pro Bahn expressed his concern that passengers deserve at least two days' notice to prepare for the ensuing disruptions.
GDL members plan to stage protests in Frankfurt, Cologne, and Munich, as well as participate in lobbying efforts for their demands in Potsdam, where ongoing wage negotiations for the public sector are underway. The German Civil Service Association's Ulrich Silberbach advocates for competitive and attractive working conditions to attract and retain skilled professionals in the industry.
Deutsche Bahn has denounced the GDL's actions, labeling them as unfair and irresponsible for the inconvenience caused to millions of uninvolved travelers. Martin Seiler, a member of Deutsche Bahn's executive board for human resources, has criticized the union for bargaining in bad faith and pursuing unreachable demands unnecessarily.
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[2] Transport Politic (2023, January 5). European Train Strikes: How Multinational Sectors and International Law are Challenging National Rail Systems. .
[3] Statista. (2023). Deutsche Bahn Group Revenue 2011-2021. .
[4] Reuters. (2023, February 23). Deutsche Bahn and Unions Reach Agreement to Avert Strikes. .
[5] Handelsblatt Global. (2023, March 2). Deutsche Bahn Strike Averted as Union Accepts Deal. .
