As of: January 24, 2024, 9:31 a.m
By: Kai Hartwig
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Split
The GDL wants to strike again.
For Deutsche Bahn customers, this means replanning.
You can assert some ticket rights.
Frankfurt – Rail customers have to prepare for the next rail chaos.
The German Locomotive Drivers' Union (GDL) is planning a strike again.
GDL boss Claus Weselsky had already announced work stoppages lasting several days from January in December 2023 if there was no agreement in sight in the collective bargaining dispute with Deutsche Bahn (DB).
The next GDL strikes are scheduled to take place at the beginning of January 2024.
Rail travelers can assert consumer rights.
© Daniel Kubirski/Imago
GDL rail strike: train cancellation or significant delay – these ticket rights apply
If the train is canceled due to a strike or runs much later than planned, rail customers can rely on DB passenger rights.
According to Julia Zeller from the Bavarian Consumer Center, rail travelers will then get the money they paid for their ticket back - in full or at least in part.
“The EU Passenger Regulation VO (EC) No. 1371/2007 applies legally here,” explains the consumer advocate to
IPPEN.MEDIA
.
Zeller adds: “If the train is canceled and the journey is forgone, the passengers will receive a refund of the entire ticket price.
If the delay is 60 minutes or more, passengers will receive compensation.
If the arrival is delayed by 60 minutes, this is 25 percent of the ticket price; if the delay is at least 120 minutes, this is 50 percent of the ticket price.”
Overview of passenger rights for rail customers in the event of a strike
(source: bahn.de)
:
Train cancellation
: The
ticket price
will be
fully refunded
.
Train
delay of
at least 60 minutes
: Rail passengers are entitled to
compensation of 25 percent of the ticket price
.
Train
delay of
at least 120 minutes
: Rail customers have the right to
compensation of 50 percent of the ticket price
.
Train connection
: This
does not apply if the originally booked train connection is canceled
or is delayed by at least 20 minutes
.
Seat reservation
: Can be
canceled free of charge
.
GDL strike: Rail customers can find out about their ticket rights here
Rail travelers can also find out about their own ticket rights in the event of a GDL strike on various digital platforms, by telephone or on site:
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on the Deutsche Bahn homepage (https://www.bahn.de)
via the train app
at the “DB Information” terminals at the train stations
by Deutsche Bahn employees at the train stations or on the DB trains
by calling the free railway service hotline: 08000 996633
In principle, rail travelers should document a train cancellation or a correspondingly long delay.
I can help railway staff and provide a written confirmation.
In addition, a photographed scoreboard can be possible evidence.
GDL strike should be announced at least 48 hours before it begins
After all, the GDL had announced that in the event of a strike, it would announce it at least 48 hours before the work stoppage.
This would have given rail travelers at least a little time to adjust their booked train connection.
During previous strikes, the railway had generally shown goodwill when it came to rebooking.
This was made easier and train ties were loosened or abolished.
The railway also offered a free cancellation of the seat reservation and the advance of your own trip before the period of the strike at no additional cost.
These measures are likely to take effect again in January.
In the event of a strike, the railway usually advises its customers to postpone the booked trip if possible.
At least in the event that this does not seem absolutely necessary.
The GDL last went on strike at the beginning of December - and received criticism for it.