German rail union EVG threatens nationwide January strikes over staff safety
German railway union EVG is threatening nationwide rail strikes in January 2027 unless the government passes safety laws to protect train staff from attacks.
The German Railway and Transport Union (EVG) has threatened nationwide rail strikes in January if the government fails to pass stricter safety legislation. The union is demanding "harsher penalties for attacks on train staff" following a fatal incident where ticket inspector Serkan Çalar was killed during a ticket inspection in February this year.
Union leader Martin Burkert stated that if the government does not amend the law in 2026, EVG will "paralyse operations" with nationwide strikes in January. The EVG works council plans to refuse approval to workers’ January duty rosters, causing disruption for regional transport staff across Germany. The proposed amendment is part of draft legislation that would impose harsher penalties for attacks on emergency workers, including paramedics, firefighters, doctors, and nurses.
Union leader Burkert expressed frustration with the government's response, noting that while politicians offered sombre expressions and grand pronouncements after the conductor's death, no action was taken. Federal Transport Minister Steffen Bilger emphasized that safety on trains is a fundamental prerequisite for a functioning public transport system, and acknowledged that around eight train officers are attacked each day.
Written by urgent.news from IamExpat Germany (News)'s reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
