In the event of delays or cancellations due to a rail strike, travellers' nerves can be on edge. But don't despair: Travelers have rights when buses, suburban trains and trains come to a standstill.
Bavaria - It's a rail strike - which means travelers have to have a lot of patience and strong nerves if they want to get from A to B on this day. If companies lack staff on this day, connections will be cancelled and there will be increased load on other trains, buses or suburban trains. Even hours after the strike, this can have an impact. But there's also good news: travelers have rights.
What do I do if the train goes on strike on the day of my trip?
"If a strike has been announced or is already taking place, you should first inquire directly with the railway company concerned," the Bavarian Consumer Advice Centre said on its website. The companies list which connections are delayed and which are cancelled on their website. Also, there are usually hints as to which alternatives are offered.
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In the event that it becomes clear during a train journey that there will be a delay, there are, for example, so-called "delay certificates" from Deutsche Bahn, according to the Bavarian Consumer Center. However, since thousands of people are stranded on platforms during a strike, it can be difficult to get to them and hand them over. Here it is advisable to take a picture of the scoreboard, on which you can see the delay or cancellation of the train. "Take screenshots of a corresponding information in the app or on the website of the railway company," appeals the consumer advice center.
If the railway goes on strike, there can be not only delays, but also cancellations. But travelers have rights. © IMAGO / Panama Pictures / Marc John / Mercury Collage
These receipts can be decisive if the trip has to be claimed. In addition, a "passenger rights form" should also be filled out. For example, Deutsche Bahn offers one here for printing and downloading. In addition, tickets purchased online that cannot be used due to a strike can be compensated via the "DB Navigator" rail app.
Compensation in the event of a rail strike: When will I get my money back?
The Bavarian Consumer Advice Centre clarifies: "If you do not arrive at your destination on time due to a rail strike, you can get part of the fare or even the entire fare back, depending on the delay." How much money the traveler gets back depends on how much later the destination is reached or whether the trip had to be aborted.
This is how much money is returned in the event of delays and train cancellations during a rail strike
- If the final destination is not reached during a train journey, there are various claims that can be asserted. For example, part of the ticket price can be reclaimed.
- 25 percent of the ticket price will be refunded if the traveler arrives at the destination at least 60 minutes late, and 120 percent if the traveler arrives at the destination more than 50 minutes.
- For this purpose, a certificate of delay should be issued at the train or station.
- Compensation for online tickets can be requested in the "DB Navigator" app.
Rail strike in Bavaria: Are employees allowed to stay at home?
According to anwalt.de, staying away from work as a matter of principle is not legal. "The so-called 'commuting risk' is borne by the employee," the website says. The employer must therefore ensure that he arrives at the place of work. Since it is by car, taxi, rental car or carpool. In principle, everything is reasonable. If, for example, traffic jams or detours result in higher fuel costs, the employee also pays for this. However, an exception could apply to low-income earners.
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No alternative during rail strike in Bavaria and no home office possible: What then?
"If, for example, people with low incomes would need long and expensive taxi rides, it might exceptionally be okay not to go to work on strike days." In addition, there is also no right to work from home, unless this is contractually agreed. However, Anwalt.de also makes it clear: "If the specific job allows it, working from home on strike days is also a spontaneous option – provided the boss agrees."
But what if there is no reasonable solution to get to the workplace, but working from home is not possible? The employer does not have to grant leave. It is conceivable that in this case the employee is absent through no fault of his own. In this case, there is no warning, but there is no money either. The following applies: "Principle: without work, no money."
Replacement transport, taxi rides or car: How to get to your destination despite the strike
On strike days, there are alternatives to S-Bahn, trains and buses. Here are a few examples:
- In the past, Deutsche Bahn has already organized taxi rides from larger stations for passengers with identical destinations
- If only regional trains are cancelled, it is also possible for Deutsche Bahn to call on its passengers to travel by IC or ICE
- If you own your own car and switch to it because of a rail strike, you have to be prepared for longer travel times
- Since the railway does not pay for the change to your own vehicle, it may be worthwhile to set up carpools on the strike days or to look for a ride
- If nothing works, it is also possible to take a taxi. In most cases, it is advisable to go directly to the taxi rank instead of waiting a long time in the management of a company.
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