Germany is on the brink of its lengthiest rail strike in history as the train drivers’ union, GDL, announced a six-day strike set to commence on Wednesday.
This marks the fourth such action since November 2023, exacerbating an ongoing dispute with the public operator Deutsche Bahn (DB) over issues of pay and working hours.
The strike is expected to disrupt key North-South and East-West European routes, potentially damaging the already struggling German economy.
The strike, initiated by the GDL, is scheduled to start at 02:00 on Wednesday and conclude at 06:00 on Monday, surpassing the previous record set in May 2015.
The ongoing clash between the GDL, a minority union with approximately 211,000 employees, and DB revolves around the railway operator’s alleged resistance to negotiations and the union’s demands for improved pay and reduced working hours.
GDL’s primary demands include wage hikes to offset inflation and transitioning to a 35-hour working week over four days, as opposed to the current 38 hours.
In response, DB had initially proposed an 11% pay rise and an inflation bonus. Last week, the public company tabled a new offer, allowing for the same pay for a 37-hour week or an additional 2.7% pay rise for those maintaining the existing working hours.
Despite the ongoing negotiations, the GDL accuses DB of pursuing a policy of refusal and confrontation, prompting the union to take this drastic measure.
Conversely, DB contends that the union’s actions are irresponsible and will have severe consequences for both the rail operator and the broader economy.
The strike comes less than ten days after a three-day work stoppage that brought Europe’s largest economy to a standstill. The GDL’s relentless pursuit of its objectives has intensified the conflict, leaving both parties at an impasse.
The impact of the strike is not confined to Germany alone; it extends to neighbouring Belgium, affecting both passenger and freight transport.
Deutsche Bahn serves vital European routes, and the disruption in freight traffic poses a threat to Germany’s economy, already grappling with various challenges.
In Belgium, the strike is expected to result in fewer ICE high-speed trains running between Belgium and Germany, with only three in each direction.
These trains will operate solely between Brussels and Cologne, omitting the usual route between Cologne and Frankfurt. Passengers can use their tickets until Monday, February 5, or request a refund.
All ICE rides from the Netherlands to Germany are cancelled during the six-day strike. Surprisingly, Eurostar’s high-speed trains to and from Germany are expected to operate as usual.
Eurostar spokesperson Cordula Descheemaeker reassured travellers, stating, “We do not currently expect any impact on the route to Germany.” Eurostar train services in Germany typically run via Brussels and Liège.
European Sleeper’s night trains, connecting Brussels, Amsterdam, and Berlin, are also anticipated to run without disruption.
However, Austrian railway company ÖBB’s night train from Brussels to Berlin and Vienna faces uncertainty, with potential disruptions to cross-border traffic with Germany.
ÖBB urges travellers to consider postponing their trips, with further details on the consequences to be communicated later.
As the strike unfolds, the resilience of both the GDL and Deutsche Bahn will be tested, with the broader European rail network also feeling the repercussions.
The outcome of this prolonged labour dispute remains uncertain, but its effects are already rippling beyond national borders, underscoring the interconnectedness of Europe’s rail infrastructure.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
