EVG withdraws threat of German public transport strikes

The Railway and Transport Union (EVG) has withdrawn its threat of strikes in local public transport scheduled for January. This decision follows the introduction of a new draft law by the Ministry of Justice aimed at increasing penalties for attacks on public service employees.

The proposed legislation seeks to provide enhanced protection for various professionals, including train conductors, police officers, firefighters, medical personnel, and other public transport workers. Under the new draft, attacks would carry a minimum sentence of six months in prison, increasing to at least one year in particularly serious cases. Currently, minimum sentences are set at three or six months.

EVG Chairman Martin Burkert stated that the union is pleased to avoid paralyzing operations, noting that the pressure applied by the union has successfully prompted legislative movement. He welcomed the efforts of Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig and Transport Minister Steffen Bilger to advance the tightening of criminal laws. The push for reform follows incidents of violence against transit staff, including the fatal attack on conductor Serkan Çalar in February.