Rail unions have announced their intention to take strike action both in November and December. The unions are planning two 48-hour strikes. The unions are protesting working conditions and internal reforms at the rail operator.
The first strike is planned from 10PM on Tuesday 7 November till 10PM on Thursday 9 November. 10PM on Tuesday 5 December to 10PM on Thursday 7 December has been pencilled in for the second strike.
“Everybody experiences many things gong wrong at the railways: short trains and poor punctuality. People are fed up” says socialist trade unionist Günther Blauwens. “Internal reforms mean 250 fewer staff at stations”.
The strikes can still be averted. The unions are demanding management act reasonably and listen to people in the field and to how the situation can be improved. They say there is too much management and that is complicating decision-making.