A union representing train drivers at Deutsche Bahn called its members out for a new two-day strike. The dispute focuses on pay rates, pensions, and a "coronavirus bonus."
Germany's train drivers union GDL began the second round of strikes early Monday, extending their industrial action to passenger rail services, Deutsche Bahn (DB) announced.
This is the second time the union's workers have walked out this year in a bitter dispute with Deutsche Bahn over wages, pensions and working conditions.
The strike began at 2 a.m. local time (00:00 UTC/GMT) after the union rejected an offer by the state-owned rail operator to expand the scope of negotiations.
In addition to drivers, other railway workers have also been called on to walk out. The action will last 48 hours until 2 a.m. Wednesday.
"In regional and suburban rail traffic, DB is aiming for about 40% of train traffic," Deutsche Bahn said in a statement. "However, the number of trains will vary greatly depending on the region."
"A precise assessment of the effects is only possible after the start of operations in the morning," it said.
The GDL has been on strike since Saturday which until Monday only affected freight services.
A two-day strike earlier this month disrupted both long-distance travel as well as many major cities' commuter rail lines.
'Sham offer'
On Sunday, Deutsche Bahn made a last-ditch effort to ward off the strike.
It offered to include a one-time "coronavirus bonus" — a premium for work amid the pandemic — to the list of topics under discussion.
The GDL rejected what it called a "sham offer," and insisted that the strike on passenger lines will proceed as planned.
"Deutsche Bahn's offer isn't worth the paper it's written on," said union leader Claus Weselsky.
He said that the GDL needed a concrete proposal, "not the act of putting an offer up for discussion."
Union demands
The union is demanding a wage increase of 3.2%, a coronavirus bonus of €600 ($700) and better working conditions.
The two sides are at odds over when the pay increases should take effect and the duration of the wage agreement.
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10 things Germans generally know about trains
Did you get that?
There's a loudspeaker announcement while you're waiting for a train, but you barely distinguish a single word? The acoustics of any train station are generally bad, so instead of worrying too much about what you've missed, here's a German idiom for the unexceptional occasion: "Ich verstehe nur Bahnhof" — literally, "I only understand train station" — which means you didn't understand a thing.
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10 things Germans generally know about trains
Recognize different types of trains
Most preschool children know this: The Intercity-Express (ICE) trains are the high-speed stars of the German state railway, Deutsche Bahn. They reach up to 300 kph (186 mph). The Intercity (IC) trains are also white and red, but not quite as modern and fast, traveling at a maximum speed of 200 kph. If you're heading to a smaller town, the (often red) Regionalbahn (RB) is what you're looking for.
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10 things Germans generally know about trains
Not all trains are on time
Despite the stereotypes about German efficiency, train punctuality has been declining, and complaining about how they're late all the time is a small talk topic that unites travelers throughout the country. DB claims that nearly 75 percent of its high-speed trains reached their destination within five minutes of their planned schedule in 2018.
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10 things Germans generally know about trains
You can't travel for free
A basic principle: Buy your ticket before boarding a train. However, if ever the ticket vending machine is out of order at your station of departure or you don't manage to obtain a ticket before getting on the train, on ICE or Intercity trains you can buy your ticket from the conductor once you're on board. On a RB, you'll be fined for fare evasion, aka "schwarzfahren" (literally: black riding).
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10 things Germans generally know about trains
Travel with a group to save money
Groups of up to five people will find interesting deals for regional train tickets. In some cases, it's already cheaper for two people to buy one such ticket; each additional traveler on the same ticket further reduces the costs, which is why improvised groups of people heading to the same destination often find each other on the platform.
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10 things Germans generally know about trains
Bikes are a challenge
An increasing number of ICE trains have designated spaces for a limited number of bicycles. On other trains, from the Intercity to the regional ones, there are special wagons for bikes. You'll need an extra ticket to bring one along. Cycling is a popular activity in the summer, so expect a chaotic "first come, first served" struggle to squeeze yours in and out of a regional train on a weekend.
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10 things Germans generally know about trains
Sorry, but that place is mine
A train ticket doesn't come with an allocated seat. Reservations are available at an extra cost on long-distance trains — and they can be overbooked. Indicators usually reveal if a seat has been reserved, but even Germans find "ggf. reserviert" (which means: "it could be reserved") confusing. In any case, the passenger with a reservation is sure to let you know if you're sitting in their place.
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10 things Germans generally know about trains
Wait at the right spot
While tourists wildly run around looking for the wagon with their reservation once their ICE train comes in, seasoned German travelers are already standing next to the right door. They know there's a useful information system that associates a letter on the platform to the position where each carriage will stand.
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10 things Germans generally know about trains
You don't need to be loud elsewhere either
There are different options when you make a reservation: Do you prefer an aisle seat, at a table or in a smaller compartment? Some areas are conceived for people who prefer it quiet. Avoid making phone calls in the "Ruhebereich," or quiet zone. And even in other areas, no one really wants to listen to you talk loudly on your phone.
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10 things Germans generally know about trains
Get a special compartment for your children
Parents traveling with their children will find it easier to avoid the quiet zone altogether. On ICE trains, special family compartments are an interesting option — but they need to be booked ahead. Traveling without a reservation? Head to the "Family Zone." Children aged 5 and under travel for free, while those under 15 don't have to pay either, as long as they're accompanied by a paying adult.
Author: Elizabeth Grenier
Deutsche Bahn does not want to pay immediately, but in two steps: 1.5% on January 1, 2022, and 1.7% on March 1, 2023, with a term until the end of June 2024.
Other issues under discussion are pensions and the GDL's influence within DB.
DB has lost billions since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, while recent floods destroyed or damaged numerous railroad tracks.
adi/sri (dpa, AFP, Reuters)
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