faq
A rapprochement in the wage conflict of the railway is not in sight. For the time being, Deutsche Bahn sees no point in continuing to negotiate. Another strike seems only a matter of time. What passengers now have to reckon with.
In the collective bargaining dispute between the railway and transport union (EVG) and Deutsche Bahn, there is a risk of renewed escalation. “In the short term there will definitely be another warning strike,” said EVG negotiator Cosima Ingenschay. This is now being prepared, the announcement will follow in the coming days. Deutsche Bahn had previously declared further negotiations “pointless” after the union rejected the group’s latest offer.
When will there be a strike?
Up to and including next weekend, passengers do not have to worry at first. Warning strikes are almost impossible until then. On the one hand, because the EVG only wants to vote in its bodies, such as the wage commission or the party executive. “That needs some lead time,” says Ingenschay. On the other hand, next Saturday is the 25th anniversary of the ICE accident in Eschede. “It’s important for our colleagues that we don’t go on strike that day or on the arrival and departure days for the commemoration on Friday and Sunday,” said EVG negotiator Kristian Loroch. However, warning strikes are conceivable from Monday.
Will there be indefinite strikes?
According to Ingenschay, the next industrial action is likely to be another warning strike. Nevertheless, she did not rule out a ballot at a later date on possible indefinite strikes. “Of course that’s an option that’s being discussed in our organization,” she said. “But we don’t have a plan for that.” However, the EVG does not shy away from unusually long periods of time even with warning strikes.
Most recently, the walkout should have lasted 50 hours. With the mediation of the labor court in Frankfurt am Main, however, the union concluded a settlement with Deutsche Bahn on one of the sticking points and canceled the planned warning strike at short notice.
What is the status of the negotiations?
Since then, the signs between the bargaining parties have actually been closer. Bahn and EVG negotiated for three days last week in Fulda. Both sides described the talks as constructive. The railways then submitted a new offer and gave the union up to and including Tuesday to respond.
The group made further concessions to EVG on some points, such as the term. But a core requirement – the EVG demands a basic amount for the employees of at least 650 euros more per month – was not met by Deutsche Bahn in the offer paper.
The workers refused on Tuesday and called for further negotiations. The Bahn issued a refusal on Wednesday: “It’s pointless at the moment because the electronic ballast doesn’t move a millimeter,” criticized Bahn Human Resources Director Martin Seiler on Wednesday night. “The union shows no concessions and does not propose any solutions. They just stubbornly insist on their initial demands.”
Loroch and Ingenschay, on the other hand, insist on their own willingness to compromise and reject the group’s presentation. The fronts have hardened again significantly.
What about the GDL?
The Union of German Locomotive Drivers (GDL) competes with the EVG in the railway company for members. They are considered enemies. The significantly smaller GDL, headed by Claus Weselsky, primarily represents the interests of train drivers on the railways. Weselsky is known for being tough on collective bargaining disputes and for frequent warning strikes. But it is still a few months before the peace obligation for the GDL expires in November and a new collective agreement is also negotiated there. However, the GDL wants to formulate their demands for the forthcoming talks next Monday.
It is quite possible that the EVG wants to wait for the announcement of the competition before concluding its own contract, even if those responsible reject it. “We won’t be impressed if someone makes different demands now,” said Ingenschay. “Our demands are those that our colleagues need now.”
Source: dpa