The German Train Drivers' Union called a large-scale strike across Germany from 2 o'clock local time on the 10th to 6 p.m. local time on the 12th. Deutsche Bahn has called on the public to postpone travel as long as possible and has announced an emergency train schedule. According to Deutsche Bahn, the timetable only ensures train services with very limited long-distance and regional travel.
Ruan Jiawen: In November last year, due to the failure of collective wage negotiations with Deutsche Bahn, the German Train Drivers' Union called two strikes of more than 20 hours in that month and December. The strike is the third and longest strike to date.
As a result of the strike, around 80 percent of long-distance transport services have been cancelled throughout Germany, and regional trains have been completely suspended in most federal states. According to Deutsche Bahn, from 2 o'clock local time on the 10th, a large number of employees in the passenger sector joined the strike action, and the freight side even began a strike on the evening of the 9th.
In an interview, German Federal Transport Minister Wiesing called on Deutsche Bahn and the German Train Drivers' Union to return to the negotiating table, stressing that the two sides must engage in dialogue, exchange views and reach an agreement as soon as possible.
The German train drivers' union, which represents about 10,000 workers, is demanding wage increases and one-time subsidies to combat the effects of high inflation, as well as negotiating the working hours of shift workers.