Train travel in Germany will face massive disruptions in the next three days as the German Train Drivers’ Union (GDL) has declared the first nationwide strike in passenger transport for this year, which is set to begin tomorrow, January 10.
Announcing the news, Germany’s national railway company, Deutsche Bahn, said on its X social media account that the strike will last three days, until January 12.
The train drivers’ union GDL has announced another strike. The GDLStreik should last from Wed, January 10th, 2 a.m. to January 12th, 6 p.m. We assume there will be a massive impact on rail operations and will provide information as quickly and comprehensively as possible.
Concerned about the situation, Deutsche Bahn said that it regrets the inconvenience caused to travellers.
The same urged everyone to reconsider non-essential trips during the strike period.
Deutsche Bahn deeply regrets that the travel plans of millions of travellers are repeatedly affected. Passengers are asked to avoid non-essential trips with DB during the strike or to postpone the trip.
In response to the strike, Deutsche Bahn said that it would implement an emergency timetable for long-distance travel, offering a reduced number of journeys. Longer trains with increased seating capacity will also be deployed, although a guaranteed ride cannot be ensured.
Deutsche Bahn stressed that regional transport services will also experience significant reductions. Passengers have been advised to check travel connections 24 hours before embarking on their journey during the strike.
To accommodate affected passengers, Deutsche Bahn has lifted restrictions on train connections from January 10 to January 12. Tickets can be used at a later date, even with a modified route, and seat reservations can be cancelled without charge.
A ticket refund is also possible under the appropriate conditions.
Germany will have train travel disruption during this entire year as members of the GDL have voted to keep an “indefinite strike”.
The union voted for an indefinite strike due to unsuccessful negotiations between train drivers and Deutsche Bahn.
On their request, the union said that they want the working hours of train drivers to be reduced from 38 to 35 hours per week. The same stressed that this change should be made without a pay reduction.
In addition to reduced working hours, GDL has also required an additional €555 for every employee and a €3,000 bonus amid the increased prices. However, Deutsche Bahn has refused all the requests, especially the one regarding the reduction of working hours.
