Road strikes in Germany: Farmers block roads, trains canceled
Farmers' strike in Germany (gettyimages.com)
Massive strikes have kicked off in Germany, threatening to lead to a transportation collapse. On January 8, farmers began blocking roads and highways across the country.
Tens of thousands of farmers took to their tractors to protest against the reduction of subsidies on agricultural diesel fuel, according to focus.de.
German farmers are striking against the rising prices of agricultural diesel fuel and transportation tax. The Farmers' Association has planned a protest action from January 8 to 15, culminating in a rally in Berlin.
Currently, farmers are gathering with their machinery in many cities. In Munich, the police are escorting 5,500 tractors heading to the city center. Near the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, 450 tractors have already arrived, with more expected to join. Entry points to areas in many cities are blocked, and drivers are warned of the impossibility of movement, with some children unable to reach schools.
From January 10, transportation issues in Germany will intensify. The GDL union announced a three-day strike on passenger transport until 6:00 PM on January 13. This will significantly limit train travel across the country, as reported by DW.
Deutsche Bahn will prepare an emergency schedule during the strike, providing only a very limited number of trains on intercity, regional, and S-Bahn routes. Passengers are urged to postpone planned trips from Wednesday to Friday during the strike.
Disruptions in train services in Germany will persist throughout 2024, as previously reported. Passengers affected by canceled trains may be eligible for reimbursement.
Passengers across Germany faced the cancellation of thousands of train services before due to strikes by the GDL union of train drivers. Among the demands of the drivers are a reduction in working hours from 38 to 35 hours and an increase in pay by 555 euros.
