The Eisenbahn- und Verkehrsgewerkschaft (EVG) rail and transport union is stepping up pressure on the German federal government: If the announced draft law with harsher penalties for attacks on rail employees is not debated in the Bundestag by the end of 2026, works councils at DB Regio and private regional rail operators want to refuse approval of duty rosters in January.
Quick overview
This report is especially relevant for rail passengers, because it may have concrete impacts on planning, connections or infrastructure. The focus is on EVG, rail strike, DB Regio, train staff, regional rail, the Bundestag and the Ministry of Justice. The key points are summarized concisely below.
Key points
- EVG chief Martin Burkert is demanding passage of the law on harsher penalties for attacks on train staff still this year – otherwise a strike from January.
- DB Regio overall works council chair Ralf Damde has announced the refusal to approve duty rosters; according to the EVG, on average eight train conductors are attacked while on duty per day.
- The background is the fatal attack on a 36-year-old train conductor in early February in Rhineland-Palatinate; a then-26-year-old was sentenced to ten years in prison in July.
- In February, the federal government had announced that rail employees would be included as a particularly endangered occupational group in the draft law from Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig – apparently without result so far.
- The Ministry of Justice stated that the draft is in internal government coordination and is to be debated still in 2026; a confirmation on the inclusion of train conductors did not follow.
What this means for travelers
If you are traveling in the affected period, you should re-check connections shortly before departure, allow more time for transfers and keep flexible alternatives ready. International journeys in particular can quickly develop longer knock-on problems from missed connections.
Context
The starting point is the fatal attack on a 36-year-old DB train conductor in early February in Rhineland-Palatinate following a ticket inspection. The perpetrator was sentenced in July to ten years in prison for bodily injury resulting in death. The federal government had subsequently promised a tightening of the law; the EVG considers this announcement unfulfilled and is now threatening nationwide work stoppages in regional rail.
What to watch now
- Check your connection on the day of travel in the rail operator’s app.
- For important appointments, choose an earlier connection or alternative route.
- Keep receipts and delay information for possible refunds.