The dispute between the German train drivers’ union and Deutsche Bahn is still not over: GDL has announced it will stage another round of industrial action, starting this week. Set to last for six days, the strike will be the longest so far. 

Another Deutsche Bahn strike to take place in September

Anyone travelling by train in Germany will face six more days of disruption as the GDL train drivers’ union goes on strike once again. As the union announced on Monday, the industrial action will begin at 5 pm on Wednesday, September 1, affecting freight transport only, before spreading to include passenger transport from 2 am on Thursday, September 2. 

The strike will last until 2 am on September 7. “It is one of the longest industrial actions that we have carried out, and deliberately so,” said GDL boss Claus Weselsky. He said the union felt compelled to call the next round of strikes because Deutsche Bahn has not so far submitted an offer on salaries that “works with numbers, data and facts.” 

Train drivers in Germany stage longest strike yet

This latest round of industrial action marks the third and longest yet, after GDL staged two strikes earlier in August. Like the two previous strikes, it will likely further exacerbate supply chain issues in Germany, while causing disruption for commuters and holidaymakers. Several federal states in Germany are still on school holidays. 

Last time, Deutsche Bahn was able to keep just 30 percent of long-distance trains and 40 percent of local trains and S-Bahn services running. The railway company has hit back at the union, describing this latest strike as “in no way justified.”

What rail passengers need to know about the strike

This time once again, Deutsche Bahn is seeking to minimise the disruption caused by the strike. Passengers who have journeys booked between September 2 and 6 are advised that the validity of their tickets will be extended, so they can be used anytime from Monday, August 30, up until Friday, September 17, for free. Seat reservations can also be transferred for free. Alternatively, tickets for these days can also be refunded. 

If you do decide to travel, and face delays, the usual compensation rules apply: that is, 25 percent of your fare will be refunded for a 60-minute delay, and 50 percent for a delay of 120 minutes or more. You can get more information by visiting the Deutsche Bahn website or calling their special strike hotline on 08000 996633.