Public transport strikes are going international! As the NS announced on Thursday, there will be no trains between the Netherlands and Germany on Monday. The reason? Mass strikes.
That’s not all. Since there will be no trains going to, from, or through Germany, some Swiss and Austrian destinations will also be affected.
So, what’s the deal?
Due to nationwide strikes in Germany, all lines running between the Netherlands and Germany will not be operational on Monday, March 27. 🚄🚫
Unsure of whether or not to pack that suitcase? These are the lines that will be affected:
- Amsterdam to Frankfurt
- Amsterdam to Berlin
- Amsterdam to Basel (Switzerland)
- All sleeper trains to Switzerland
- All sleeper trains to Austria
The NS has informed all ticket-holders on how to cancel or rebook their journey (so if you’re among the unlucky travellers, make sure to check your e-mail! 📧).
All aboard the strike train
Public transport workers in Germany are facing similar issues to those of their Dutch counterparts. According to NU.nl, local labour unions Verdi and EVG demand significantly higher wages and better working conditions.
Since a collective agreement does not seem to be on the cards any time soon, the labour unions are calling for a “Mega Streik” — a mass strike. Uh-oh. 🫢
Trains, trams and busses will not be running, and even aviation personnel are walking away from their work.
Due to a strike by Germany’s VER.DI union, operations at Frankfurt Airport will be heavily disrupted throughout the day on 27 March. Passengers are strongly advised to refrain from traveling to the airport. Connecting flights from FRA will also be affected by the strike. pic.twitter.com/VHIK4zJXNF
— Frankfurt Airport (@Airport_FRA) March 23, 2023
Upset travellers
The labour unions behind the strike negotiate on behalf of millions of employees. So, you guessed it: nothing will be moving throughout Germany on Monday.
Unsurprisingly, the announcement of this mass strike is already causing chaos among thousands of passengers wishing to travel to and from Germany.
Many of them have taken to social media to express their frustration. 👇
Because of a major nationwide strike in Germany on Monday, my flight has been cancelled. Yay. Seeing how @lufthansa has been handling things so far (you guess well –> poorly), it looks like I’m gonna be stuck in this country for a while.
— Jelena Brankovic @[email protected] (@jelena3121) March 24, 2023
Anyone in NYC who’d like to meet?
WELP
— Askeladd 🐻【Vtuber】 (@AskeladdBear) March 24, 2023
Due to a Germany-wide strike on Monday, my return flight has just been cancelled. And of course the airline’s support hotline is full.
I can probably get a hotel but I’ll be stuck for a day.
Goshdurnit
There’s a strike at the airport and my flight home from Germany was cancelled (not mad, solidarity with the workers). I’m in line to rebook now 🤪 pic.twitter.com/8QIFZ87IUR
— le crobag (@le_crobag) March 23, 2023
What do you think about Germany’s plan for a mass strike? Tell us in the comments!