January 23, 2024
1 min read

Extended Rail Strike Looms in Germany

Germany’s Minister of Transport Volker Wissing reacted with harsh criticism to the strike announcement…reports Asian Lite News

Despite an improved wage offer, train drivers in Germany announced another strike action on Monday. It will be the longest strike in recent months, lasting six days from Wednesday.

Rail operator Deutsche Bahn expects “massive disruptions” during this strike as the planned emergency service “only ensures a very limited train service”.

In order to bring train drivers back to the negotiating table, Deutsche Bahn further improved its wage offer on Friday. This includes two pay rises this year and next year of 4.8 per cent and 5 per cent respectively, as well as one hour less work per week from 2026, Xinhua news agency reported.

The German Locomotive Drivers’ Union (GDL) continued to refuse negotiations, calling the presented deal “another sham offer”. They are demanding an increase of 555 euros ($605) per month and a faster and stronger reduction in working hours by three hours to just 35.

Germany’s Minister of Transport Volker Wissing reacted with harsh criticism to the strike announcement.

“I have zero understanding for this form of wage dispute,” he told public broadcaster ZDF.

“This wage dispute is taking on destructive traits.”

In addition to strikes, ongoing construction work is also affecting rail traffic in Germany. The country has begun to extensively renovate its dilapidated rail network, with key long-distance routes being completely closed for months. (1 euro = $1.09)

ALSO READ-Hundreds of thousands protest against far right in Germany

Previous Story

Zelensky, Tusk Discuss Defense Aid and Arms Purchases

Next Story

Iraqi Prime Minister Vows to End US-Led Coalition Presence

Latest from -Top News

Modi Leads Global South’s UNSC Reform Push

Modi had publicly welcomed the Pact of the Future’s inclusion of UNSC reform and described that development as a “good beginning The push for UN Security Council (UNSC) reform dominating this year’s

Baloch Activists Protest in Geneva

The demonstration aimed to bring international attention to the ongoing human rights violations in Balochistan…reports Asian Lite News Members of the Baloch National Movement (BNM) and allied human rights activists staged a

Trump Wishes Modi on 75th Birthday

Prime Minister Modi, in a post on X, called Trump his “friend” and thanked him for the wishes. US President Donald Trump spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, reaching out

India Ready to Engage, Says Trump Advisor

Top official indicated that India’s oil purchases from Russia was hanging over trade relations between the two countries….reports Asian Lite News As US Assistant Trade Representative Brendan Lynch was in New Delhi
Go toTop

Don't Miss

US missiles in Germany signal Cold War, Kremlin says

Washington’s move has prompted criticism in Germany, even among members

Germany pledges major investment in Africa

The compact with Africa is based on the initiative launched