Deutsche Bahn to offer emergency timetable as train drivers strike
German rail operator Deutsche Bahn is offering an emergency timetable for long-distance trains after the German Train Drivers' Union (GDL) called for another strike in a bitter labour dispute.
On Sunday, the GDL called for a strike affecting long-distance, regional and freight transport for 24 hours starting on Tuesday.
Deutsche Bahn said it published the reduced timetable for long-distance travel online on Monday morning, to be followed by a timetable for local and regional trains. "The basic provision of regional and S-Bahn services will be gradually supplemented," it said.
During previous strikes, the railway provided around 20% of the usual long-distance services. The impact on regional transport varied.
It is the sixth strike in a months-long wage dispute between the state-owned rail operator and the GDL union and comes just days after the last industrial action.
The sticking point between the two continues to be the GDL's core demand for a reduction in weekly working hours for shift workers from 38 to 35, with full wage compensation.
In passenger transport, the strike is to begin on Tuesday at 2 am (0100 GMT) and last for 24 hours. The strike in freight transport is set to begin on Monday at 6 pm.
Union leader Claus Weselsky had already announced before the previous strike that the railway and passengers would be given significantly less time to prepare for industrial action in future.
