Only 1 in 4 trains running as German rail strike hits passenger transport

Despite Deutsche Bahn putting a better offer on the table, the German train drivers’ union (GDL) on Thursday expanded its strike to include passenger trains. Commuters and holidaymakers should expect significant delays in the coming days. 

Third railway strike underway in Germany

The strike, the third and longest in the current dispute between Deutsche Bahn and GDL over salaries, hit freight services on Wednesday afternoon. Stoppages on passenger traffic began early on Thursday and are due to continue for five whole days until 2 am on Tuesday. 

The union has been demanding a pay increase of 3,2 percent and an additional 600-euro coronavirus bonus. Late on Wednesday, Deutsche Bahn capitulated somewhat, offering a bonus of up to 600 euros and a shorter time frame for the salary increase. Arguing that it was fulfilling GDL’s central demands, the company asked for the strike to be called off. 

However, the offer was rejected once again by GDL. “Bad news for Bahn customers: the strike will continue,” said GDL boss Claus Weselsky. “This offer cannot be accepted by anyone and, above all, by a union.” Among his list of objections to the offer was the fact that it would not apply to union members who had joined within the last 14 months, and also includes a year in which there would be no salary increase. 

Deutsche Bahn has in the meantime filed an injunction against the strike with the labour court in Frankfurt am Main, describing the labour dispute as being "obviously more about legal and political issues than about finding solution for good working conditions at the negotiating table." 

How will trains be affected by the strike?

Nonetheless, the strike will continue for the time being, and the train company has therefore been forced to crack out its replacement timetable once again. As with during the previous two strikes, Deutsche Bahn is aiming to ensure that around a quarter of all long-distance trains continue to run as normal. Around 40 percent of regional and S-Bahn trains should be operating. 

But there are some differences, due to the geographical dispersion of the union’s members. “The main strikes are in the east and in some metropolitan areas,” said DB spokesperson Katja Stumpp, adding that travellers in these areas should expect further delays. 

Deutsche Bahn is still recommending that passengers postpone all but essential trips. Long-distance tickets booked for the strike days will remain valid up to and including September 17. You can find more information on the Deutsche Bahn website or by calling the strike hotline on 08000 996633.