First restrictions on Hamburg S-Bahn services
Even well before the start of the nationwide train drivers' warning strike, the first restrictions were imposed on Hamburg's S-Bahn services on Wednesday evening. According to S-Bahn-Hamburg.de, individual connections on the S1 line from Poppenbüttel to Wedel were canceled shortly after 8 pm. Trains were also canceled on the S21 line from Aumühle to Elbgaustraße, as well as on the S31 from Neugraben. All S-Bahn services in Hamburg were to be suspended from 10 p.m. onwards.
On Thursday, the S-Bahn Hamburg will try to operate according to an emergency timetable. Passengers have been asked to keep up to date online. "Due to the still unclear situation, the timetables in the information media (DB & hvv) will only be available for a short time," the website said.
The German Train Drivers' Union (GDL) has called on train drivers, train attendants, workshop employees and dispatchers to strike until 6 p.m. on Thursday. They are demanding an increase of 555 euros per month for a twelve-month contract period as well as an inflation adjustment bonus. The sticking point is the demand for a reduction in working hours from 38 to 35 hours per week for shift workers with full pay compensation.
In response to the nationwide train drivers' strike, tariffs for railroad services in Hamburg could potentially rise due to increased operational costs. Furthermore, the strike could lead to heavier traffic on alternative modes of transportation, such as roads and buses, causing potential traffic congestion.
Source: www.dpa.com
