Overview

• Train cancellations and delays in Rhineland-Palatinate and the Rhine-Main area, primarily caused by construction work, continue to disrupt commutes for thousands of workers and students.
• Under German labor law, employees are legally responsible for ensuring punctuality despite public transit disruptions, with potential consequences including withheld pay, warnings, or termination.
• Major employers like BASF, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Daimler Truck have introduced flexible work arrangements, including home-office options and flexible hours, to ease the burden on their workers.
• Courts maintain strict rules for tardiness, with unexcused absences potentially leading to police summons or default judgments, though judges may exercise discretion for delays caused by higher-force events.
• Schools require parents to notify them of delays, and students are generally not penalized for train-related lateness deemed beyond their control, though repeated tardiness may lead to official records or discussions.