Our German neighbors have been on strike since Monday – as farmers’ anger over agricultural policy is high after the announcement of the withdrawal of subsidies for the industry. From Wednesday, the train drivers’ union GDL also wants to stop working at Deutsche Bahn, among others. Connections with Austria are likely to be affected. Meanwhile, Deutsche Bahn is determined to take legal action to prevent the strike.
In a week when serious disruptions to German road traffic are expected as a result of the farmers’ protests, the drivers’ union GDL now also wants to stop work in passenger traffic from 2 a.m. on Wednesday to 6 p.m. on Friday. Experience shows that some trains do not run according to plan even before the strike. Moreover, it usually takes some time before traffic returns to normal. In the event of a strike, connections between Germany and Austria are likely to be disrupted; ÖBB advises travelers to postpone unnecessary train journeys. However, the Westbahn trains are running as planned.
With the strike, the German union, led by its chairman Claus Weselsky, wants to increase pressure in the collective labor agreement negotiation dispute, which is about money, but also about shorter working hours for full-wage shift workers. However, Deutsche Bahn rejects this. The court rejected the summary judgment she filed on Monday. The German Locomotive Drivers’ Union (GDL) may strike in rail transport in Germany from Wednesday, according to the Frankfurt Labor Court.
Deutsche Bahn: “Strike is unreasonable”
Deutsche Bahn announced on Monday evening that it would appeal to the Hessen Labor Court. “This strike lacks legitimacy and basis,” says negotiator Florian Weh. “In the interests of our customers, we do everything we can to prevent this.” The right to strike is a valuable asset for good reason. “But this strike is not a last resort, but an imposition built on sand,” Weh added.
GDL trade unionist Weselsky criticized the lawsuit on Sunday as a “smoke gun” and rejected the accusation. It shows “the desperation of a socially alienated employer who fears no means, no matter how absurd, to eliminate the strong GDL.”
Follow information from ÖBB
Exact information about the work stoppage and the affected connections to and from Austria will be continuously updated online, the ÖBB announced on Monday. “Passengers are asked to postpone unnecessary train journeys to and from Germany,” the report said. The train connection for ÖBB-Sparschiene and standard tickets to and from Germany will be cancelled; night train tickets can also be used during the day. Tickets purchased before January 8 are valid longer, namely until January 19.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
