From late 2023 to early 2024, Germany is grappling with a wave of strikes by transport workers, significantly impacting passenger transportation across the country. In a double blow for travelers, both railway operators and airport staff are set to strike simultaneously at the end of this week.
Deutsche Bahn
Specifically, on March 7 and 8, 2024, the strikes will involve train drivers of the national railway carrier Deutsche Bahn. The passenger train strike will last for 35 hours, from 2:00 am on Thursday, March 7, to 1:00 pm on Friday, March 8. Freight transportation will be suspended from 6:00 pm on Wednesday, March 6, to 5:00 am on Friday, March 8.
Additionally, the head of the German Locomotive Drivers’ Union (GDL), Klaus Weselsky, announced that strikers plan to intensify their actions and will no longer provide a 48-hour notice before commencing the strike.
Ver.di
The largest German trade union, Ver.di, has also called on the ground staff of Lufthansa airline for a new strike on March 7 and 8. According to the statement, staff should cease work from 4:00 am on Thursday, March 7, to 7:10 am on Saturday, March 9, likely leading to flight delays and cancellations.
The previous major strike by German railway workers occurred at the end of January 2024, when most passenger trains in the country came to a halt for a full six days.
