BERLIN: On Wednesday, Germany’s commuters encounter widespread train cancellations due to a three-day nationwide rail strike, contributing to travel disruptions in Europe’s largest economy. Simultaneously, ongoing farmers’ protests have further compounded road traffic congestion.
The primary strike led by the GDL train drivers’ union commenced early Wednesday, following a prior strike by cargo train drivers who protested on Tuesday evening. These strikes are set to persist until Friday evening, compelling Deutsche Bahn, the national rail operator, to operate with limited emergency schedules.
The company cautioned that this strike’s repercussions would affect the travel arrangements of millions and advised individuals to consider canceling or postponing any non-essential trips. This renewed conflict over pay and work hours stems from a longstanding dispute, reignited after a temporary truce during Christmas, with the GDL advocating for a 35-hour workweek at current wages.
While Deutsche Bahn has proposed some flexibility regarding work hours, they have declined to reduce them without a corresponding decrease in pay.
