The German Locomotive Drivers’ Union (GDL) announced on January 22, 2024, a new extensive railway strike that will disrupt the country for six days. Similar to two weeks ago when 80% of trains in Germany came to a halt for three days, the railway workers will demand improvements in working conditions from the Deutsche Bahn railway company.
According to AP, citing a statement from GDL, the railway strike will affect passenger transportation by the state-owned Deutsche Bahn from 2:00 on Wednesday, January 24, until 18:00 on Monday, January 29. Freight trains will start striking a day earlier, from 18:00 on Tuesday, January 23.
The exact number of flights to be canceled or rescheduled is currently unknown. The German Locomotive Drivers’ Union announced extensive strikes nationwide back in 2023. At that time, two warning strikes lasting up to 24 hours each took place, and at the beginning of 2024, the first major action was organized, lasting three days. Around 80% of long-distance trains were canceled during that period.
Among other demands, union members are seeking an increase in wages and a reduction in working hours from 38 to 35 hours per week without a corresponding reduction in pay. Deutsche Bahn has categorically rejected the second demand.
