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Germany train strike

We leave this Friday for Germany and we understand there was a mega strike yesterday, although apparently for only 24 hours. This is our first trip all by train, so are newbies at train travel. Should we be worried? Anyone have any further intel? Nigel?

Posted by
6227 posts

Stuart, I heard that Flix is not part of the strike. If by chance Tammy's transport is affected by the strike, will the Flix trains be running?

Posted by
5367 posts

Flix Train not affected, as these were strikes at the state run companies. It is interesting that regional trains were still running in 9 of the 16 Lander yesterday and that Berlin airport was open.
It would be useful to know what period of notice of a strike has to be given in Germany, like it is 14 days in the UK, as this strike seems to have come from nowhere.
Strikes are just an occupational hazard to travellers at the moment in Europe.
Late last night I posted notice of a strike on the London Cable Car, which was just in. By this morning that strike had been resolved, so the post was removed.
My view is that there isn't a problem, until there is a problem. And at the moment there isn't a problem going forwards. Just as in France most people still seem to be getting to where they need to be, if not at exactly the right time.

I said the same thing about a problem not being a problem, to someone planning a Bath to Conwy trip, where there is engineering work, and am monitoring the issue for him. Currently I am stressing more than that OP, as we do have a problem there currently with all trains for that day removed from the system and all fares withdrawn!! I am sure it will all be resolved in due course!

Posted by
2305 posts

The strike is over and traffic is largely back to normal. The railroad unions have announced that there will be no further strike until after Easter.

as this strike seems to have come from nowhere.

It was not a regular strike, but a "warning strike". It was announced on March 23, but for a warning strike there is no legally binding notice period. It can take place without a ballot, but it should last only a short time.

If by chance Tammy's transport is affected by the strike, will the Flix trains be running?

Definitely not, because if the workers on the switch towers are on strike, Flixtrains can't run either (besides, they are always the first to stop service).

Posted by
292 posts

Or, if you want to add German-ness to the good luck expression, thumbs pressed (jemandem die Daumen drücken is how we express „cross my fingers for someone“) in German.

In any case, good luck. It seems you will be fine. There is not talk of more strikes in the next short time.

Posted by
8934 posts

Rather than Flix trains, the Flix buses were running.
None of the Regional trains were running here. I walked into the Hauptbahnhof and was shocked. Not a single train in there. Nothing was running. Got some great photos.
I live next to the tracks, and not even the ICE that normally are going to the workshop that is about 200m from our house were running.

I think Munich had it worse as their strike was 2 days?

Nothing has been announced for the next few weeks, but when they do, we will keep you all up to date. I honestly thought the taxis would have a great day, but they didn't. No one went to work unless they had a car. The taxis were just all sitting around.

Posted by
556 posts

I think Munich had it worse as their strike was 2 days?

Nope DB trains/public transport only on Monday. What you are talking about was the Munich airport.

Posted by
8934 posts

Ooops, meant to write airport in Munich. Sorry. The train strike was country wide. Airports were just certain cities.

Posted by
556 posts

Employers and unions did not reach a result in the last of three planned rounds of negotiations. Independent arbitrators will now seek a solution. During the arbitration period, there is a peace obligation - so there will be no new strikes in the public sector over Easter.

And DB union had already announced that they would not go on strike over Easter.