Train drivers in Germany will go on strike this evening, the German Locomotive Drivers' Union (GDL) announced last night.
The union called on its members to walk out today from 6:00 pm until 10:00 pm tomorrow, Friday, 8 December. According to German newspaper DVZ, the extended negotiations between the union and the Deutsche Bahn failed two weeks ago.
The nationwide strike is expected to cause severe disruptions to the movement of goods and passengers during the announced period. Freight transport will be interrupted today at 6:00 pm, while passenger transport will be halted at 10:00 pm.
In a press release issued yesterday, the union emphasised that employers have not responded to the union's core demands. This mainly concerns the "reduction in working hours for shift workers to a 35-hour week and a five-day week."
"In doing so, companies are not only ignoring the legitimate needs of their own employees," said GDL Chairman, Claus Weselsky.
On the other hand, Deutsche Bahn criticised the union's decision, saying, "Instead of negotiating and facing reality, the train drivers' union is striking for demands that cannot be met."
