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The farmers in Germany are angry. Mainly because of the subsidy cuts planned by the traffic light coalition. On Thursday evening they blocked a pier in Schlewsig-Holstein – thus preventing Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck (54) from leaving the ferry. Now they are going one step further: there will be a national general strike from January 8.
This means that Germany could descend into strike chaos in the coming week. In addition to agriculture, there is also a threat of mass strikes and blockades in other important sectors. The general strike could be followed by rail transport, freight forwarders and craftsmen, among others, as “Focus” reports. If the German Locomotive Drivers’ Union (GDL) puts its words into action, this could also have consequences for train traffic in Switzerland.
Roadblock
In any case, chaos is on the agenda for the coming week. Farmers’ president Joachim Rukwied (62) warned of a “very hot” January if the federal government sticks to its austerity plans. These include the abolition of agricultural diesel subsidies and car tax exemptions for farmers. “Then from January 8, we will be everywhere in a way the country has never seen before,” Rukwied announced.
There are already reports of gatherings in several state capitals for next Monday and the following days, according to a survey by the “Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland” (RND). Numerous farmers are expected with their tractors. According to the research, protests have also been announced in several cities. Highways are blocked in some states. In Rhineland-Palatinate, for example: according to the SRW, farmers have announced that they will close the highways in West Palatinate on Monday.
Railroad strikes
In addition, farmers are recruiting additional supporters for their traffic light protest. They are mainly aimed at craftsmen and the transport sector. Because there is also frustration among the forwarders: they could join the strike. The climax is expected on January 15: the German Farmers’ Association calls for another major demonstration in Berlin. To this end, a national mobilization is taking place, as ‘Focus’ writes.
But next Monday there could be absolute traffic chaos. Because GDL boss Claus Weselsky (64) recently announced: “From January 8, you can expect longer labor disputes.” Details about the exact start of the strike are not yet known. However, the train drivers’ union has promised to give notice of possible industrial action at least 48 hours in advance. “We will strike for three to a maximum of five days,” Weselsky told the “Rheinische Post”.
Impact on Swiss rail traffic
If a railway strike were to take place in Germany, Switzerland would also be affected. When asked by Blick, a spokesperson for the SBB confirmed that they are monitoring the current situation: “Concrete effects such as delays or train cancellations cannot yet be anticipated.” This can only be said more accurately once the strike has been officially announced – in the case of the GDL, two days in advance.
“We are in constant contact with other transport companies when it comes to border traffic,” the SBB spokesperson explains. In the event of a strike, the border trains would, if possible, be replaced by our own trains. Customers would be informed by SBB as early as possible about any delays and train cancellations.
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
