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German Rail Strikes Intensify, Deutsche Bahn Confronts Ongoing Labor Disputes

German Rail Strikes Intensify, Deutsche Bahn Confronts Ongoing Labor Disputes
photo: Volker Emersleben / DB AG/Berlin Central Station
20 / 11 / 2023

Since the beginning of the year, Deutsche Bahn has been facing backlash from Eisenbahn- und Verkehrsgewerkschaft (EVG), Germany's largest railway and transport union, resulting in massive strikes. It seems as of now, DB is about to face the same fate with GDL, the German train driver union.

These escalated labor disputes, marked by a series of disruptive strikes, threaten to extend into 2024, posing significant challenges to both passenger and freight transportation. The latest in this series was a 20-hour strike by the GDL union in November, which resulted in the cancellation of numerous rail freight services and heightened concerns about the potential for prolonged disruptions. Interestingly, 2021's summer strikes, orchestrated by GDL, had already set a precedent for the severe impact these actions can have on Germany's rail network. 

The current disputes revolve around financial compensation and working conditions and are aggravated by the failed negotiation attempts between DB and GDL. DB Cargo CEO Sigrid Nikutta highlighted the strike's significant impact on freight operations as around 270 freight services were canceled, emphasizing that rail freight's challenges often go unnoticed compared to passenger service disruptions.

The dispute's roots trace back to earlier in 2023 when the Eisenbahn- und Verkehrsgewerkschaft (EVG), Germany's largest railway and transport union, initiated a massive strike involving over 30,000 employees. The primary demands were for improved pay in response to surging energy prices and inflation. Deutsche Bahn described the strike as "exaggerated" and premature, given that negotiations had just begun. The strike's impact was far-reaching, affecting various public transport sectors across Germany, including rail, bus, and air transport. EVG demanded a substantial 12% wage increase, highlighting the growing discontent among workers in the face of rising living costs.

As the year ends, the specter of strikes looms over the holiday season, raising concerns of further disruptions. With two rounds of failed negotiations, the impasse between GDL and DB mirrors the previous tensions with EVG. This persistent state of industrial unrest underscores the need for a resolution that balances the interests of the workers with the operational viability of the national railway system. As stakeholders brace for potential escalations, the focus shifts to finding sustainable solutions that address the underlying issues fueling these labor disputes.

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