logos999

Strikes on DBahn may happen again starting monday. Yes, the GDL union does it again, or maybe not?

But even if there's no strike, DB will cancel about 50% of all trains in long distance service plus many local and regional trains.

So the union is on strike again? So whaat, we don't them to create a chaos here at DB....

logos999

And since we're a "mean buch of guys" here at DB, we only post details on the German version of our info pages . They deserve not to know what's going on, those foreign prussians...

http://www.bahn.de/international/vie...ike_info.shtml

Pdf file with changes for monday only available in the gernan version, see

http://www.bahn.de/blitz/view/index.shtml

bob_brown

Oh bad word. I thought those intransigent types had settled that fuss long ago. What stirred the pot this time?

WillTravel

We're taking these trains in a week or so:
March 17 evening express train - Cologne to Amsterdam
March 24 evening express train - Paris to Frankfurt

Are either likely to be affected?

logos999

http://www.spiegel.de/international/...540196,00.html

This time, GDL say it may be an unlimited strike. Who knows?

yk

WillTravel - didn't you get affected last time you went to Germany too? Can't believe your bad luck. I guess you'll have to look into alternative means of transportation? Will DB give you a refund if the strike really is still in effect?

WillTravel

It is crazy. On the last Germany-involved trip I changed our plans because of the possibility of a strike, but it didn't actually happen. Now, seven months later, one would think this would be resolved, but I guess not. I am regretting I did not just book budget flights.

I seem to recall that with a strike in progress, you can take earlier trains and different routings. But we'd be in trouble if nothing worked.

WillTravel

I guess DB would give us a refund. But these two trips together for both of us are less than $250USD total, and it's much more of a problem not being able to get from place to place.

WillTravel

This sounds good, though, from the Spiegel article, because our trains are ICE:
The company said that even if the walkout by GDL goes ahead, at least half of long distance trains, in particular high-speed ICE services between major cities, will continue to operate. Intercity services were expected to be suspended almost entirely.

Not that Germany will notice, but after this, I think I will boycott Germany until they resolve this issue . There is also a periodic port authority strike that is affecting some airports, particularly baggage, or at least I read something about that on the United board on FlyerTalk.

yk

That's right. Now I remmeber you did a big "switcheroo" on your itin for your previous trip.

If I had a choice, I'd rather take DB trains than fly budget airlines. The ICE trains are so nice.

If 1/2 of the ICE trains will run, will they be extra crowded? Does your ticket come with seat assignments? I can imagine it'll be quite a nightmare.

Maybe I should boycott visiting Germany also.

WillTravel

Yes, we have seat assignments on both trains. I imagine the trains would get crowded, particularly as this will be over the Easter holiday period. Oh well. I will look into bus services, but I recall there isn't much in Germany.

My boycott is probably a moot point, because I won't have enough vacation time for another European trip for a while. (I suppose I'd manage something if an unforgettable airfare showed up.) But if this is still not resolved by next year, I'll show them!

WillTravel

According to Eurolines, there are buses on 3/23 and 3/24 from Paris to Frankfurt. So I'll monitor the situation, and try to get on a bus, should worse come to worst.

Cowboy1968

There is no need to boycott Germany since even the Germans can't go anywhere anymore - taken hostage by these idiots.

Wednesday: Ground personnel at Munich Airport on strike -> 100something flights cancelled
Today until?: Public Transport Workes in Berlin -> no subways, buses, trams
Monday until ?: No trains.

On top of my agenda for next week: I'll buy a car! And the first person whining about "carbon footprint" gets run over with it.

WillTravel

Cowboy, I can sympathize with the Germans. I have endured long-duration public transit strikes, and I cannot understand how people can be expected to rely on public transit when things like this happen.

Enjoy your new car!

richardab

Has Germany turned into France?

bob_brown

Sure sounds like the Germans have imported French strategists. The Verdi group of employees are also saying they will walk out.

I remember my first visit to Paris waaay back when. I visited the Louvre and, of course, as a newbie, I was overwhelmed. I decided to return the next day but when I got there the place was closed because the guards were on strike.

On top of that I never actually saw the Eiffel Tower even though I had a hotel room in the 7th Arr. The fog was so thick the whole tine I was there that I felt of the tower but never really saw it.

logos999

For years, Germany had lower wage increases than the rest of th € zone. With the relatively lower inflation, Germany has a big advantage over all the other € countries today. At the expense of the employees.
Everyboy in Europe wants to buy German stuff...

quokka

No need to panic, guys, the train strike has been cancelled. They managed a last minute agreement this afternoon.
Nevertheless the emergency timetable will be in effect on Monday, so if you don't want to miss the fun, travel tomorrow. Afterwards things will go back to normal all too soon.