A strike by train drivers which has severely
affected Germany’s rail services has been called ‘irresponsible’ by the German
Business Travel Association (VDR).
The strike, by the GDL union, has affected passenger
services since 2pm on 11 August and will run to the same time on 13 August.
The industrial action, supported by 95 per cent
of the balloted members of the union, has been called over changes to pensions
and working conditions.
The VDR said in a statement “As is so often the
case, the escalation of the collective bargaining conflict is being carried out
on the backs of private and business travellers and is causing massive damage
to Germany as a business location. The business mobility of German
companies is an important driver of macroeconomic development in our country.
“After months of lockdown, the entire mobility
industry is still facing immense challenges. A labour dispute, in which
business travellers and their companies also suffer, is irresponsible in the
current situation and causes the slowly restarting engine to stutter again. Companies
need predictable and reliable mobility. We appeal to the common sense of
the negotiating partners to bring about a solution to the conflict as quickly
as possible.”
Deutsche Bahn has granted additional flexibility to
travellers with long-haul tickets over the strike period, meaning they can be used until 20 August. Passengers with saver and super saver fares are not
restricted to using the train printed on their tickets. Seat reservations can
be exchanged free of charge.