German Rail Services ‘Massively Disrupted’ by Strike Action

(Bloomberg) -- Deutsche Bahn AG temporarily halted all German long-distance rail services due to a strike over pay by the EVG union that’s also affecting freight transport.

The strike, which also “massively disrupted” regional and local S-Bahn trains, are slowly returning to normal as of the walkout’s end at 9 a.m. local time, the rail operator tweeted Monday. Passengers should expect restricted service throughout the day, Deutsche Bahn said.

The EVG broke off wage talks in the early hours of Saturday morning, saying Deutsche Bahn management had failed to make an offer that met the demands of its members. The train operator said it’s ready to restart negotiations at any time and has asked the union to meet Monday afternoon.

Serious Talks

Deutsche Bahn offered a pay increase of 2.5 percent from March 1, 2019, but the union wants 3.5 percent.

“We will come back to the negotiating table when Deutsche Bahn makes it clear that they want serious talks with us,” the union said Monday.

Rail customers can use their tickets for Monday travel through Sunday and can get a full refund if they are unable to make their journey as planned, the rail operator said.

©2018 Bloomberg L.P.