With German train drivers gearing for a massive strike, rail operations are going to be disrupted hitting the normal life of people. The rail drivers are set to launch the strike for six days starting from Wednesday.
The GDL union's strike is termed as the longest strike in Deutsche Bahn's history. The longest strike at Deutsche Bahn was in 2015, which lasted for five days.
The strike was called after the union rejected state-owned rail operator Deutsche Bahn's (DBN.UL) latest wage offer.
DB had submitted a new wage offer to the GDL on Friday which also responded to the union's core demand of a reduction in working hours with full wage compensation. However, it was rejected by GDL.
“The GDL has announced strike action for the period from Wednesday, 24 January 2024 to Monday, 29 January 2024,” Deutsche Bahn said in a statement.
“This will result in massive disruptions to Deutsche Bahn’s long-distance, regional and S-Bahn services during this period. The emergency timetable only ensures very limited train services on DB’s long-distance, regional and S-Bahn services,” it added.
Regarding the DB’s offer, GDL in a statement said, "With the third and supposedly improved offer, Deutsche Bahn has once again shown that it is undeterred in pursuing its previous course of refusal and confrontation - there is no trace of any desire to reach agreement.”
The union had staged a 24-hour 'warning strike' on December 8 as part of wage negotiations.
GDL is seeking reduction in shift hours from 38 to 35 hours per week, along with a raise of 555 euros per month for employees. Workers also demand a one-time payment of up to 3,000 euros to counter inflation.
In the wake of the strike, DB had asked the passengers to avoid non-essential travel during the strike. However, the company also added that longer trains would be used to accommodate as many as passengers possible.
"The renewed strike will once again have a massive impact on all German rail operations," DB said in a statement about the upcoming strike.