Rail Strike Causes Potential Delays for Regional Train Services

Passengers relying on regional rail services in certain areas of Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern may face disruptions on Thursday morning due to an announced industrial action. The rail workers' union has called for a warning strike involving employees of Regio Infra Nord-Ost (RIN), a private railway network operator. The strike is scheduled to take place between 7:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., potentially affecting operations at signal boxes and regional rail lines, including connections in the Prignitz region and around the Mecklenburg Lake District.

The warning strike is a response to ongoing, unresolved wage negotiations for staff at RIN. The union's decision comes after what it describes as unsuccessful talks with the company, which is headquartered in Putlitz, Prignitz. The union aims to increase pressure on the employer to reach a settlement that meets the demands of its workforce.

While concerns have been raised about possible delays and interruptions, the national rail operator has stated that it does not anticipate significant impacts on its own services. According to the company, the Prignitz Express (RE6), a key regional train service, is expected to operate according to schedule. However, other regional rail providers have indicated that certain routes might be affected during the period of industrial action.

The East German Railway Company (Ostdeutsche Eisenbahn-Gesellschaft, Odeg) has indicated that the RB 15 route connecting Waren (Müritz) and the island town of Malchow in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern may experience service disruptions. Travellers using this connection are advised to check for current information before starting their journeys.

The management of RIN has criticized the strike as disproportionate, arguing that the industrial action is not justified by the current stage of negotiations. Despite these objections, the union maintains that the warning strike is a necessary measure to draw attention to the issues faced by employees and to accelerate the bargaining process.

The potential disruptions are particularly relevant for commuters and regular travelers in the affected regions, as the early morning hours are typically among the busiest for regional rail traffic. Authorities are urging passengers to plan for possible delays and to monitor updates from rail operators regarding service changes or alternative transportation options.

While the full extent of the strike's impact remains uncertain, the situation underscores the ongoing challenges in labor relations within Germany's regional rail sector. Efforts to resolve the dispute are expected to continue, with both sides expressing a willingness to return to the negotiating table following the industrial action.

Passengers are encouraged to consult the latest information from rail providers and to allow extra time for their journeys on Thursday morning, especially if traveling within the Prignitz and Mecklenburg Lake District regions. Updates on service status and any further developments will be provided as the situation evolves.