Germany is set to experience significant disruptions in its rail services as the train drivers union, GDL, announced a sudden 24-hour strike. The industrial action will commence at 22:00 local time this Thursday, affecting millions of passengers across the country.
The strike is expected to severely impact the busy end-of-week commutes in major cities including Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, and Hamburg. Deutsche Bahn, Germany's primary railway operator, anticipates thousands of service cancellations, encompassing high-speed, long-distance, regional, and suburban metro services.
Achim Stauss, spokesperson for Deutsche Bahn, expressed concerns over the timing of the strike, stating, \"This strike announcement came at very short notice and we find this strike unnecessary and also irresponsible towards our passengers who are looking forward to travelling by train during the Advent season.\"
The impending strike not only disrupts daily commutes but also affects holiday travel plans, as many passengers rely on train services to journey during the festive Advent period. Authorities are urging travelers to seek alternative transportation options and stay updated with the latest service changes.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com