Station stores suffer from train drivers' strike

According to the Saxon Trade Association, retail outlets in train stations have been significantly affected by the strike of the German Train Drivers' Union (GDL). With the extensive suspension of rail traffic, fewer people are on the move, the Managing Director, René Glaser, told the German Press Agency. As a result, the stores are lacking the corresponding footfall.

"The companies here are losing a significant amount of sales every day." The stores in the stations are also very worried about the length of the strike, as rental, personnel, energy and other fixed costs will continue. On the other hand, the rail strikes would not initially have any noticeable impact on retail supplies, as the stores would be supplied by truck in particular. According to the trade association, the delivery of individual goods to warehouses and logistics centers has also been spared by the strike so far.

The train drivers' union GDL is on strike at Deutsche Bahn up to and including Monday. The wage dispute is about pay, but also about working hours for shift workers. The GDL wants to reduce these from 38 to 35 hours with the same salary. So far, Deutsche Bahn has offered an optional model that provides for a one-hour reduction without financial losses. Those who opt out will receive a 2.7 percent increase instead. Union leader Claus Weselsky sees the offer as no basis for further negotiations.