Germany: Rail workers to strike December 10

Event

Deutsche Bahn (DB) railway workers will partake in "warning strikes" beginning Monday, December 10. The EVG union, representing the workers, announced the strikes on Saturday, December 8, after negotiations with the railway failed. The first of many anticipated strikes will last from Monday morning to midday (local time). Further strikes leading up to the Christmas holiday season are likely if negotiations should continue to stall. Widespread train service disruptions are likely.

A separate union, the Union of German Locomotive Drivers (GDL) is also conducting negotiations with DB and has threatened similar action if talks fail.

Context

EVG represents 160,000 rail workers, while GDL has 36,000 members. DB is the largest rail operator in Europe.

Advice

Individuals in Germany are advised to monitor developments to the situation, confirm their train reservations, and anticipate delays, cancelations, and other service disruptions.