German rail union EVG threatens nationwide January strikes over staff safety

The German Railway and Transport Union (EVG) is threatening nationwide strikes in January over safety concerns for railway staff. After a conductor was killed during a ticket inspection, the union is urging the government to pass stricter safety legislation, including harsher penalties for attacks on train staff. Ticket inspector Serkan Çalar was fatally injured in February after a train accident in Rhineland-Palatinate.

If the government fails to act, EVG plans to paralyze operations in January by refusing approval for workers to work. This could disrupt millions of public transport passengers throughout Germany. The proposed amendment is part of broader legislation that would also impose stricter penalties for attacks on emergency workers like paramedics, firefighters, doctors, and nurses.

Union leader Martin Burkert criticized the government's lack of action, stating that a train conductor was killed six months ago, and politicians offered somber expressions and grand pronouncements but no concrete measures. Federal Transport Minister Steffen Bilger acknowledged the issue, noting that safety on trains is essential for a functioning public transport system and that around eight train officers are attacked daily.