Warning strikes also in Lower Saxony: Calm situation at train stations
Travelers and commuters have prepared themselves for the one-day warning strike by the German Train Drivers' Union (GDL). Rail traffic in Lower Saxony was severely restricted on Thursday, with many stations in the doldrums. "We have a calm situation at stations nationwide," said a Deutsche Bahn spokesperson on Thursday. "It's all manageable, as was announced." Many passengers had informed themselves in good time. The emergency timetable also applies to Lower Saxony and Bremen, so some trains are running.
It also became apparent in the afternoon that passengers would have to continue to be patient even after the strike ended in the evening. Some working people and commuters had not even started their journeys, said the company spokesperson.
Even before the strike began, Deutsche Bahn had expected numerous regional routes in Lower Saxony and Bremen to be affected. A replacement bus service could not be set up at such short notice due to a lack of bus capacity, according to a Bahn information page on the Internet. On the route between Cuxhaven and Hamburg, however, three shuttle buses have been set up between Cadenberge and Stade.
According to the company's website, Metronom and Enno operations are running without any major strike-related effects. "We recommend that all passengers allow more time for their journey and obtain information before starting their journey via the familiar digital information media," the regional railroad recommended. Due to the collision of an ICE with a workshop train near Lauenbrück (Rotenburg district) on Wednesday, there were further delays and cancellations on the Hamburg - Bremen route.
The Westfalenbahn announced restrictions and asked passengers to obtain detailed information before setting off. An emergency bus service was set up on the Leer - Emden and Emden - Emden Außenhafen sections in the morning, as stated on the website.
The GDL has been on strike since 22:00 on Wednesday evening, and the strike was due to end at 18:00 on Thursday evening. This is the union's first industrial action in the still young collective bargaining dispute, with only one negotiation so far. The second round of negotiations originally planned for Thursday and Friday has been canceled by Deutsche Bahn.
In the negotiations, the GDL is demanding an increase of 555 euros per month and an inflation compensation bonus for a term of twelve months. As a core demand, it also wants a reduction in working hours for shift workers from 38 to 35 hours per week with full wage compensation.
In the first round of negotiations, Deutsche Bahn presented its own offer, which includes an eleven percent pay increase for a term of 32 months. There is nothing in the offer about working hours.
Despite the end of the strikes, traffic on some regional routes in Lower Saxony and Bremen may still be affected due to tariffs imposed as a result of the disruptions. Further, the threat of railroad strikes could potentially cause traffic congestion on alternate modes of transport like roads, leading to increased tariffs or congestion charges.
Source: www.dpa.com
