Germany: travelers again faced with a rail strike

Passengers of the German public rail operator Deutsche Bahn face a new strike on Monday, leading to the removal of 75% of long-distance links, despite a last-minute offer from management to the drivers' union.

The traffic is "

", indicated in the morning the panels of the station of Frankfurt, one of the main hubs of the country, where a large number of trains have been canceled.

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The mobilization, which aims to influence the current salary negotiations, began at 5:00 p.m. local Saturday (3:00 p.m. GMT) in the transport of goods.

It was extended Monday at 02:00 (00:00 GMT) for 48 hours to the entire network.

In total, only 25% of long-distance connections will be provided over the two days, according to Deutsche Bahn, a proportion similar to that of a first strike a dozen days ago.

On regional and urban trains, the public operator expects 40% of the usual offer.

During the first mobilization, 9,000 employees had stopped work

In Berlin, where the strike was disrupting public transport, the situation was calm at the central station and few people were waiting on the platforms, as most travelers did not attempt to catch a train.

The first strike, launched after a 95% vote in favor of mobilization among GDL members, had already blocked many travelers on vacation.

"

", including drivers but also some employees from other sectors, had stopped work, according to the union.

The social movement was born from the failure of wage negotiations on the next collective agreement between management and the union, especially with regard to wage increases.

GDL is asking for an increase of 1.4% and a bonus of 600 euros this year, as well as an increase of 1.8% in 2022. Drivers also denounce a decrease of 50 euros per month in their supplementary retirement pensions.

Deutsche Bahn has proposed 1.5% in 2022 and 1.7% in 2023, asking

additional time “

” linked to the Covid-19 epidemic.

Management said on Sunday it was ready to negotiate a bonus for this year, but without specifying the amount - insufficient progress for GDL, which has maintained its strike.

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The disruptions, which could be repeated in the coming months, according to GDL, come as Deutsche Bahn already forecast colossal losses this year due to the coronavirus pandemic and containment measures.