The train drivers’ union GDL has broken off collective bargaining with Deutsche Bahn as unsuccessful. Both sides initially held collective bargaining talks for several hours on Thursday and then postponed until Friday.
The railway sharply criticized the fact that the GDL declared the negotiations to have failed after two dates. “We would have liked to continue working on what was possible,” explained Deutsche Bahn’s human resources director Martin Seiler. “Because we are ready for compromises and solutions.” The GDL sees it differently and criticizes the fact that the railway company refuses to negotiate on important core demands such as reducing working hours for employees in shift work to 35 hours per week.
Is there a threat of a permanent strike now?
That cannot be ruled out. GDL boss Claus Weselsky had announced in numerous interviews that he would go on permanent strike if the railway showed no willingness to negotiate. The union boss could also imagine strikes over Christmas. The 64-year-old has since rowed back. A few days ago he simply stated that the GDL would not go on strike over Christmas. He has not yet said exactly what period of time he means by this. “We specifically suggested to the GDL that we have a Christmas truce between December 15th and January 7th,” said Bahn HR Director Seiler. However, the train drivers’ union with its boss Claus Weselsky was not prepared to do this.
In doing so, the “rail-minded person” is torpedoing the Advent and possibly also the Christmas season. Because a permanent strike and increased warning strikes could have an impact on the Christmas markets in Germany. Dealers, exhibitors and restaurateurs are hoping for a high-sales Advent season after the Corona crisis, despite rising energy and personnel costs. The GDL could now thwart their plans.
If trains don’t run, people don’t come to the markets. And stationary retail would also be affected. Many people take the train to nearby cities to buy their gifts for the Christmas tree. You could now switch to online shopping.
What do travelers have to pay attention to now?
Stay flexible! As a rule, the railway cancels any train connections for certain days with the cheaper saver tickets as a gesture of goodwill. This gives travelers the opportunity to reach their travel destinations. However, in the event of a long-term strike, the journey there and back could be more difficult. It is also unlikely that the railway will organize an emergency timetable. Rather, the demand for bus and flight tickets then increases significantly, which in turn leads to sharp price jumps. There are no savings prices anywhere.
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.
Capacity utilization would be very high, especially on weekends before the start of the strike. Seat reservations are not possible. Families with children should definitely take this into account. Good to know: If the train is not running or is expected to arrive at your destination at least 60 minutes late, you can request a refund of the ticket price. This also applies to strike days.
Be careful when traveling by plane!
Deutsche Bahn trains that travel to and from the airport would also be affected in the event of a strike. 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.
Another savings tip from FOCUS online: Get together with fellow travelers and book a taxi together. The costs can then be shared.