The Landesverband union campaigned heavily in the 90s to reopen the railway line, which had been closed for decades prior to the relaunch in 1996.
Recently, Minister for Transport François Bausch announced the train would be replaced by a "high level" bus service between the two locations. The unions said this represented a step back in time to the 1960s, when the promise of optimal bus connections set the stage for the permanent closure of the so-called “Sauer-” and “Attertstreck” railway lines.
The unions expressed their unhappiness that they were not consulted on the decision, and went on to criticise the fact that this will be the second line closure under Bausch's direction. In a statement, they said it was a particular concern given the minister belongs to the Green Party.
Both unions went on to criticise the lack of social dialogue at the Ministry of Mobility and Public Works, as railway and transport unions were not consulted on the rapid tram connection projects either. They called upon their members to support them in the commitment for sustainable mobility and the prevention of privatisation with regard to the tram.
