Germany will be without trains from tonight at 22:00 until tomorrow, Friday, at the same timeas the train drivers’ union (GDL) continues its mobilizations in the context of negotiations for the new sectoral contract.

The 24-hour strike, the fourth mobilization for 2023 – and the last until January 7, as assured by the unionists -, is expected to affect all long-distance rail movements, but also the transport of goods. In Berlin and Hamburg many train drivers on the city trains (S-Bahn) are also on strike.

The most problems are expected in southern Germany, which is still dealing with the consequences of the heavy snowfall of the previous days.

Deutsche Bahn (DB) has announced an emergency operating schedule for the duration of the strike, with fewer but larger trains, but expects “huge and widespread problems”, especially in Bavaria. They even invite passengers to be informed before going to the stations and to choose alternative means of travel, while they offer free ticket changes.

The new strike comes two weeks after the union walked out of negotiations with employers, citing “failure”.

The union is demanding a cut in working hours from 38 to 35 per week with full pay, a monthly increase of €555 in wages and “inflation allowance”. The employer is counter-offering 11% increases for the next 32 months. The result of the internal vote of GDL members to approve the proposals of its leadership is expected on December 19. Strikes must be approved by 75% of union members.