Train drivers in Germany have gone on strike, causing widespread transportation disruptions that are anticipated to endure several days. The situation is worsened by a similar campaign initiated in December by German farmers who are blocking highways in protest of the government’s agricultural policies.
On Monday, Deutsche Bahn (DB) warned of “massive restrictions” on its long-distance, regional, and commuter services from Wednesday to Friday owing to a strike by the country’s railway union, Gewerkschaft Deutscher Lokomotivfuhrer (GDL). It recommended passengers to “refrain from unnecessary travel,” pointing out that only a “very limited basic train service” would be provided during this time.
On Tuesday evening, freight transport drivers were the first to begin the protest action, with their passenger sector counterparts joining them at 2am on Wednesday. As a result, around 80% of usual long-distance services were canceled.
Photos from several German cities, including Berlin and Hamburg, show empty platforms that would usually be packed with commuters.
GDL said the strikes hinged on DB’s failure to address its “core legitimate demands.” The union has called for a reduction of working hours from 38 to 35, as well as for a wage increase of €555 ($607) per month, on top of a lump sum payment of €3,000 to compensate for inflation.
DB has rejected the working time demand, claiming that filling the gap would require hiring 10,000 more staff in a very tight labour market. However, it offered to negotiate the expansion of existing working time arrangements. It also suggested an 11% wage raise and a one-time €2,850 inflation compensation incentive.
The rail strike comes as farmers in Germany began a week-long statewide protest on Monday, blocking roads and highways with tractors. The anger originates from the government’s proposals to restrict or eliminate agricultural tax incentives, as well as diesel subsidies.
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev commented on the protests, saying that while Berlin was planning to cut agricultural spending, it was increasing military support for Ukraine. In November, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said that his country would raise military support to Ukraine to €8 billion ($8.76 billion) by 2024.
The former president also stated that if the protests continue, they might lead to a new Ukrainian-style Maidan, a Western-backed coup that occurred in Kiev in 2014, and the deposition of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The latter’s approval rating has lately reached a historical low, with the INSA polling institution reporting that 64% of respondents want him out.
