Will the rail strike ruin the home European Championships?
The German Train Drivers' Union wants to strike in January. This would also hit the organizers of the European Handball Championship hard. The issue of sustainability is actually their top priority and they are now "looking at various scenarios".
DHB CEO Mark Schober fears that a possible rail strike at the beginning of next year could have a negative impact on the European Handball Championships in Germany. "Possible strikes in January would be a challenge. We are looking at various scenarios," said Schober on dpa's request.
On Tuesday, the German Train Drivers' Union announced longer industrial action for the start of 2024. The European Handball Championship will take place from January 10 to 28. The venues are Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Cologne, Mannheim and Munich.
Deutsche Bahn is the mobility partner for the event and, together with the DHB, has campaigned intensively for the topic of sustainability in recent months. "For major events such as the EURO, climate neutrality is no longer an optional extra, but a clear obligation," announced Michael Peterson, the Deutsche Bahn board member responsible for long-distance passenger transport, in mid-May. "As a climate-friendly mobility partner of the German Handball Federation and the European Handball Federation, we look forward to making the 2024 European Handball Championship more sustainable together and supporting the sport in its green transformation."
Instead, there is a risk of traffic chaos on the railways in January if there is a lengthy strike. The DHB is therefore hoping that the GDL and Deutsche Bahn will avert this scenario at the negotiating table. "We very much hope that both parties will come to an agreement so that the best logistical conditions prevail for fans from near and far, teams and officials around the European Handball Championship," said Schober.
Alfred Gislason brooded over the open questions of his squad puzzle for weeks, on Thursday the national handball coach will reveal the secret he has kept until the end and announce the squad. "Our dream," said Gislason recently on NDR-Sportclub, "is the semi-finals". Despite the many withdrawals of experienced national team players, he said he was confident "that our team will take the next step". After finishing fifth at the World Cup a year ago, this time - hopefully without any major strike problems - they should be able to do better.
Read also:
- NFL kicker out injured, then something unbelievable happens!
- Taylor Swift talks about love for her NFL star
- Crazy victory in the NFL top game
- NFL star breaks referee's leg
The strike announced by the German Train Drivers' Union could disrupt the transportation of the German national handball team, as they are reliant on the German railroad for travel to the European Handball Championship venues. In light of the potential strike and subsequent disruptions, the handball team's coach, Alfred Gislason, will need to adapt his travel plans accordingly.
Source: www.ntv.de
