From January 10, 2024, Wednesday, massive rail strikes are threatening again. The train drivers' union GDL has announced that it will be on strike on long-distance, regional and S-Bahn traffic from 2 a.m. next Wednesday. The strike is scheduled to last until January 12th, Friday at 6 p.m. Freight transport is even affected by strikes from January 9th, 6 p.m.
Deutsche Bahn expects a nationwide strike that will have a massive impact on all German rail operations. Deutsche Bahn advises people to avoid non-essential trips with DB during the strike or to postpone the trip.
This is how the railway reacts
As with the last strike, Deutsche Bahn will offer an emergency timetable for long-distance transport with a greatly reduced range of journeys. For these journeys, the DB uses longer trains with more seats. However, a ride cannot be guaranteed.
In regional transport, the aim is to offer a greatly reduced offer. The extent to which this will be possible varies greatly from region to region. In any case, there will also be massive restrictions on regional transport.
Travelers are asked to check their travel connection again 24 hours before starting a journey on strike days to see whether the connection is available.
All passengers who would like to postpone their trip planned for January 10th to 12th due to the GDL strike can use their ticket at a later date. The train connection has been lifted. The ticket is valid for the journey to the original destination – even with a changed route. Seat reservations can be canceled free of charge. In addition, as part of a special gesture of goodwill, long-distance passengers have the opportunity to bring their journey forward and travel on January 8th or 9th.
In addition, the other tariff and statutory passenger rights apply, so that e.g. B. a ticket refund is also possible under the appropriate conditions.
Here you will find current information
The DB wants to provide information about the effects of the GDL strike as quickly as possible here on bahn.de and in the DB Navigator app. The emergency timetable for long-distance transport should be available in the digital information systems on January 8th. Travelers should inform themselves there before starting their journey. In addition, Deutsche Bahn will set up a free special hotline on 08000 99 66 33.
It seems questionable whether Deutsche Bahn and GDL will soon reach an agreement. The latest statements from both sides don't sound very friendly. The GDL writes, for example: “The false assumption that the GDL at Fair Train eG is both employer and union shows once again the desperation of a socially alienated employer who is afraid of no means, no matter how absurd, to eliminate the strong GDL.” The GDL describes the latest offer from the railway as “obviously deliberately misleading, insubstantial and poisoned”. The railway, in turn, replied that the strike would take place without legitimacy and without reason.
