German union barons threaten to derail Euros
GERMAN union barons have threatened to wreck Euro 2024 for hundreds of thousands of visiting fans by staging crippling train strikes.
Rail workers will walk out during the monthlong football tournament unless more is done to protect staff from passenger abuse.
In a move echoing Mick Lynch – firebrand general secretary of the RMT – the leader of the German Rail Workers’ Union Kristian Loroch vowed: “We will make sure that the trains won’t run.”
Mr Loroch said staff would down tools during the tournament by cutting back on overtime, significantly disrupting services.
Euro 24 will kick off in Berlin on June 14. UEFA has pinned its success on train travel between the country’s host cities by offering cheap 30 euro fares to matchgoers.
Some estimates have claimed up to 800,000 England fans could visit Germany, where the Three Lions are one of the favourites to lift the trophy. The threat of a strike comes after 40 per
cent of German train staff revealed they feel unsafe at work.a recent survey of 4,000 found 64 per cent had experienced violence or aggression from passengers during the past 12 months.
Last year Deutsche Bahn, which runs trains, reported more than 3,100 attacks against its employees. In 2014, there were 1,500.
Unions are demanding that operators hire more staff so conductors do not work alone while the tournament is running. Ralf Damde, who represents workers at rail operator DB Regio, said: “We demand personnel planning based on the danger levels caused by rival crowds of fans on buses and trains.
“Double staffing and sufficient security personnel are necessary for the months of June and July.
“Before our people are attacked, we refuse to deploy personnel in obvious danger situations.”
Euro 2024 runs until July 14. Matches will be played in Berlin, Cologne, Dortmund, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Gelsenkirchen, Hamburg, Leipzig, Munich and Stuttgart.
In London, the Foreign Office has issued an alcohol warning to supporters heading to the competition. It said German beer can be stronger than in the UK “so drink responsibly, know your limits and respect local laws. You may not be let into the stadium if you drink too much”.
They are also advising British fans to sign up for email updates on German travel advice, to download the official Euro 2024 app and check the official Euro 2024 website to stay informed of anything that might affect travel plans.