BERLIN — Much of Germany’s rail system has been shut down by a two-day strike expected to leave only about a quarter of the nation’s long-distance trains in operation Wednesday and Thursday.
The Associated Press reports national operator Deutsche Bahn is asking passengers to avoid unnecessary travel and will suspend COVID-19 related restrictions, allowing every seat to be used on those trains that do operate. Deutsche Bahn said it would give operating priority to trains operating between Berlin and the west, as well as between Hamburg and Frankfurt.
Berlin’s S-Bahn commuter trains were shut down, creating traffic jams and leaving school students as well as commuters to use buses and trams.
The GDL union is seeking a 3.2% raise and a one-time “coronavirus bonus” of 600 Euros (about $700). Its strike began with freight movements on Tuesday night and expanded to passenger service at 2 am. Wednesday. It will continue until 2 a.m. Friday.
