Anyone travelling by train in Germany can expect significant delays in the coming days, as the Union of German Locomotive Drivers (GDL) announced on Tuesday that it would stage a major strike. 

Deutsche Bahn drivers to strike on Wednesday and Thursday

GDL boss Claus Weselsky announced on Tuesday, August 10 that a clear majority of 95 percent of ballots had been cast in favour of industrial action, meaning that a transport strike will certainly take place in Germany. 

According to Weselsky, the first strikes will start on Tuesday evening at 7 pm, affecting freight trains only. This will be followed by a nationwide 48-hour strike that will affect passenger trains as well, lasting from 2 am on Wednesday, August 11, until 2 am on Friday, August 13. Transport across Germany will be affected, including long-distance trains as well as local public transport like S-Bahns and regional trains. 

“This is a nationwide strike,” the GDL emphasised, while adding that the period was chosen deliberately so as to have as little impact as possible on travel over the weekend and the holidays. 

Travelling in Germany: What passengers need to know about the train drivers' strike

Deutsche Bahn has announced that it will put into place a rail replacement plan that will enable around a quarter of trains to go ahead on Wednesday and Thursday. A list of cancelled services can be found on the Deutsche Bahn website. They advice postponing journeys that are not absolutely necessary.

DB will also extend the validity of long-distance tickets so that they can be used from Tuesday until Friday next week. Alternatively, they can be cancelled free of charge. Seat reservations can also be rebooked. 

If you do decide to travel, you can switch onto an alternative service if your booked train is cancelled or delayed by more than 20 minutes. You can receive advice by calling the free DB hotline on 08000 996633. In the past, Deutsche Bahn has covered the cost of taxis, should you become stranded, up to a maximum of 80 euros, but it is advisable to have this confirmed by a DB representative before booking a cab.

Ongoing salary dispute between GDL and DB

The strike relates to an ongoing dispute between the GDL and Deutsche Bahn, with the union demanding, among other things, that its workers’ salaries be increased by 3,2 percent. They are also angling for a bonus for workers who continued working during the coronavirus pandemic. The railway company has offered the increase, but with a different time frame. 

DB personnel manager Martin Seiler described the strike as an “attack on the whole country," while another spokesperson added that it was like a “slap in the face” for customers and employees.