The German Association of Train Drivers started the third strike

The German Association of Train Drivers (GDL) started the third and so far longest strike in the past month on Thursday early morning on Thursday in order to force Deutsche Bahn (DB) to increase drivers' salaries and improve working conditions. This happened despite DB's new offer from Wednesday, which includes, for example, a pandemic bonus of up to 600 euros. The DPA informed about it. This time, passengers will have to count on five days of delays and canceled train connections. The strike started on Thursday at 02:00, the GDL management confirmed for the DPA, it should last until next Tuesday. Freight train drivers started striking on Wednesday morning at 05:00. DB announced that it will only ship every fourth long-distance connection on average. In regional and suburban transport (S-Bahn), about 40 percent of connections will operate compared to the current day. In the previous strike, which ended last week on Wednesday night, only 30 percent of long-distance lines and 40 percent of regional services were operating. In addition to a one-off contribution of up to EUR 600, the new DB offer also includes a change in the date from which a new collective agreement should come into force, which includes a new graduation scale. Instead of 40 months, DB currently offers 36 months. GDL representatives have not yet publicly responded to DB's new offer. DB claims that train drivers no longer have a reason to strike. "We meet the main requirements of GDL," said DB HR Director Martin Seiler in connection with the company's latest offer. Seiler appeals that GDL must end its "blockade" and return to the negotiating table. The last round of negotiations between the two sides took place almost three months ago.