German union turns up heat with longest warning strike for DB ever
German Union EGV has called for a new railway strike, the third in quick succession, in its ongoing conflict with Deutsche Bahn (DB). In a bid to increase the pressure on the operator, the strike action will take more than two days. The walkout represents the longest warning strike in DB history.
The walkout by EVG on behalf of DB staff, representing 230.000 employees, will commence at 22:00 on Sunday May 14 and end on Tuesday at 23:59. This marks and escalation of its disagreement with DB, as the strike in March lasted a Day and the following action in April mostly affected rail traffic in the morning hours.
The operator blasted the most recent 50-hour strike on Thursday, calling it “insane” and “completely unreasonable and completely exaggerated”. DB argues it has shown “extensive goodwill” and has made various concessions. The most recent one was made on Tuesday, when the operator made changes to its proposal for the minimum wage. However, EVG argues a cap was put on 13 euros, something DB denies by saying their offer is in fact 13.20 euros per hour.
DB is warning travellers and freight operators that the planned 50-hour strike will have “a massive impact” on services. Long-distance trains will be halted on Sunday evening, as will DB Regio services. The timing of the strike means that train traffic can only be resumed just before one of the busiest periods on the calendar: the long weekend over Ascension Day.
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