The fronts between the railway union (EVG) and Deutsche Bahn have hardened. The railway announced that it did not want to conduct any further negotiations with the union. For passengers, this means new restrictions soon.
“We have to assume that Deutsche Bahn AG is pursuing a strategy here that means: eat it or go on strike,” warned EVG negotiator Kristian Loroch.
When is there a strike on the railways?
The first warning strikes could start as early as Monday. From circles of the EVG it is said that Monday or Tuesday are “very likely”. Then Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria and Rhineland-Palatinate are in the school holidays. In North Rhine-Westphalia, the summer holidays don’t start until the end of June.
Up to and including this weekend (June 3rd and June 4th), passengers do not have to worry at first. Warning strikes are almost impossible until then. On the one hand, because the EVG only wants to vote in its bodies, such as the wage commission or the party executive.
“That needs some lead time,” said collective bargaining officer Cosima Ingenschay of the German Press Agency. In addition, next Saturday is the 25th anniversary of the ICE accident in Eschede with 101 fatalities. “It is important for our colleagues that we will not go on strike that day or on the days of arrival and departure for the commemoration on Friday and Sunday,” explained Loroch.
What happens to the tickets that are valid on the day of the strike?
Deutsche Bahn usually agrees to goodwill arrangements.
Saver and Super Saver fare tickets are exempt from the train connection for a few days for planned journeys during the strike. This is intended to give passengers the opportunity to postpone planned trips because of the warning strike.
If trips cannot be carried out as planned due to the strike, Deutsche Bahn will reimburse the affected passengers for their tickets and reservations free of charge.
In order to help customers quickly and easily, Deutsche Bahn is setting up a special free hotline. Those affected can reach them on 0800 09 96 633.
Do I have to be prepared for further warning strikes in the coming weeks?
That is quite probable. Offer and demand are far apart. For the time being, the railway no longer wants to negotiate with the EVG.
Deutsche Bahn proposes wage increases of twelve percent for lower incomes, ten percent for middle incomes and eight percent for higher incomes, as well as tax-free inflation compensation totaling 2,850 euros. The EVG demands twelve percent more for everyone, but above all at least 650 euros more wages. For those on lower incomes, this would mean a percentage increase in wages, some of which is significantly higher.
In the letter in which the railway union informs the railways that the offer has been rejected, Loroch and co-negotiator Cosima Ingenschay refer above all to this minimum increase, which is not included in the DB offer. They also criticize the offered term of 24 months. The railway had previously offered 27 months, but the EVG requires twelve.
Good preparation also for air travel
A rail strike in the coming weeks and months will also affect air travellers. Many use the train to go to the airport with their families. In addition, many switch to cheaper, more distant departure points for cost reasons. For long-haul flights, most machines start in large cities such as Frankfurt or Munich.
FOCUS online advises: If you want to take the train to the airport, you should already find out about alternatives. It is unclear when and for how long the strike will take place. Rental cars, bus and ridesharing are an option. Airport transfers, which you can book online, in a travel agency or at the airport, are also worthwhile for nearby regions.
Shared taxis, which pick up several travelers at different locations and take them to the airport, are also cheaper.
Can I cancel my flight tickets as a precaution in the event of a rail strike?
Suppose you cannot reach the airport by train. Do you then have a right to cancel the flight?
No.
Passengers cannot cancel or rebook flights free of charge outside the strike period. Anyone who has booked a ticket for a flight in a few days or weeks cannot return it free of charge for fear of a warning strike at the railways.