Bahnstreik

My first taste of a strike in Germany today. Saw this message glaring on every signboard on the platforms:


Die Deutsche Bahn wird bestreikt. Momentan besteht keine Umsteigemoeglichkeiten zu Linie S1-6..


The S-Bahn workers, with the help of the trade unions will be organising strikes within this week to make sure they get their 30% increase in pay. Normally, such an unfortunate would not have affected me, but as I had to meet Ziming early in the morning to get something, the place had to be changed because he couldn't take the S-Bahn to work anymore. So how? It's just "It's not possible for any transfer to S-Bahn". How responsible. How convenient just to say that.


I didn't get a picture of the mad rush for the overcrowded U-Bahn, but the crowd was really quite horrible. Thank goodness the U-Bahn and bus services continued to operate. The scene at Hauptbahnhof at 7 plus this morning: many people trying to squeeze into U-Bahn, the U-Bahn personals practically became travel directories and people standing around looking lost. More strikes coming along this week until the wages go up. It's really inconvenient. Wonder what will happen if all the train workers go on strike at the same time. Bicycles and bikes will come in handy then heh.. because of the possible traffic jam.

On the other hand, it was quite an excitement for me to be able to experience a strike. This would be unheard of in Singapore. Maybe we should do that for more pay too.. heh.. I'm not taking our peaceful and mundane *opps* life for granted. One strike is enough. Just for the experience haha (Strange experience I want).. Oh yes and if I were to have to rush for a 8am class during the strike by the train workers, I would gladly go back home to the warm and inviting bed haha.. Too bad the S-Bahn doesn't affect me....