- In the video: GDL threatens to strike on the railways – that’s what travelers need to know
Is this the start of a planned long-term strike? The GDL is striking the Deutsche Bahn route network from Wednesday evening. The strike begins on Wednesday at 10 p.m. and ends on Thursday at 6 p.m.
Which trains are affected?
There are disruptions in long-distance and local transport. The railway is taking countermeasures and using longer trains with more seats on some routes, but emphasizes that transport cannot be guaranteed. The strike primarily affects commuters, travelers and employees. The S-Bahn network is also affected in Berlin, Dresden, Hamburg, Cologne, Munich, Nuremberg, Stuttgart and many other cities.
Buses, trams and subways of the regional transport companies are not affected by the strike. However, since important S-Bahn lines are not running, there may be more traffic jams on the streets than usual and overcrowding on buses, subways and trams.
FOCUS online advises: Employees and students should leave home earlier so that they can at least arrive on time.
I have train tickets for Wednesday and Thursday – what applies?
If you have planned a trip on Wednesday or Thursday, you can start it later. The train connection is canceled. This is intended to give passengers the opportunity to postpone planned trips due to the warning strike.
“In addition, as part of a special concession, travelers also have the opportunity to bring their trip forward and start earlier on Wednesday, November 15, 2023,” the railway said upon request. If you don’t reach your destination by 10 p.m. on Wednesday, you should get on the train later – specifically from Thursday, at 7 p.m. “Please refrain from unnecessary travel during the GDL strike and postpone your trip to another time,” says the Deutsche Bahn app.
If trips cannot be carried out as planned due to a strike, the refund will be made German railway Affected passengers receive their tickets and reservations free of charge. In order to help customers quickly and easily, Deutsche Bahn is setting up a free special hotline. Those affected can reach them on 0800 09 96 633.
Be careful when traveling by plane!
Trains to and from the airport are also affected. Travelers should look for alternatives in good time. If the train doesn’t run in your area, you should switch to a taxi, rideshare or rental car. Rental car prices can be higher than average due to high demand. It is better to use sharing vehicles from Share Now, Free Now, Miles, Sixt Share. If you want to save, book hourly packages.
Do I have to prepare for further warning strikes in the next few weeks?
That is quite likely. Offer and demand are far apart. Apparently the railway is already preparing for a longer strike. The GDL boss Claus Weselsky had announced that he would call for a permanent strike as quickly as possible by means of a ballot. “Why should I create a small fanfare in any way when I know it will have no effect on the other side?” he said
Weselsky reported at the time that the railway had offered a “Christmas truce”. The GDL should therefore not go on strike during the Christmas travel period. The union rejected the proposal.
Is there a threat of strike at Christmas too?
Possible. This is another reason why rail travelers should remain flexible in November and December. In the event of a longer strike, arrival and departure can be particularly difficult. While trains are not running, demand for bus and plane tickets increases significantly, which in turn leads to sharp price jumps.
FOCUS online advises: If you want to be on the safe side and have to travel urgently in November or December, you should switch to a flight or bus. If the train is not running or is likely to arrive at the destination at least 60 minutes late, you can request a refund of the ticket price. This also applies to strike days.
What is the strike actually about?
The GDL’s demands are clear: employees should receive at least 555 euros more per month as well as inflation compensation. At the same time, weekly working hours should fall from 38 to 35 hours without shift workers receiving less money. For comparison: In August, after two warning strikes, the EVG achieved almost 410 euros more per month for employees and an inflation adjustment.
The railway does not consider a reduction in working hours to be feasible and has so far refused any negotiations about it. Instead, DB Human Resources Director Martin Seiler offered an eleven percent salary increase for a period of 32 months in the first round of negotiations. He also expressed his willingness to pay the inflation compensation premium; according to DB’s idea, the first half could be transferred as early as December. “Too little, too long and at the end of the day not enough,” was Weselsky’s comment on the offer.