breaking news
The train drivers’ union GDL is emphasizing its demands: it is calling for a warning strike from tomorrow evening at 10 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday. The railway called the industrial action “completely unnecessary”.
In the collective bargaining dispute with Deutsche Bahn, the train drivers’ union GDL is increasing the pressure. Two days before the next round of negotiations, the union announced that it would go on warning strike from 10 p.m. tomorrow evening until 6 p.m. on Thursday.
“The employees’ dissatisfaction is great, their concerns are legitimate,” explained union leader Claus Weselsky. “Anyone who believes that they can cynically play for time at the expense of their employees is mistaken. Now is the time to make improvements; there is no room for delay.” The railway has not yet been prepared to respond to core demands such as a reduction in working hours.
Deutsche Bahn sharply criticized the GDL’s fundamental decision to go on strike. “This is an unreasonable expectation for rail passengers. This strike is completely unnecessary,” said rail human resources director Martin Seiler, according to a statement. The train drivers’ union ignores agreements and acts irresponsibly. Four further negotiation dates have just been agreed with the GDL. DB as an employer put an eleven percent offer on the table in the opening round. The GDL is holding millions of people liable and trampling on social partnership.
GDL demands a wage increase of at least 555 euros
There were already signals before and after the first round of negotiations last week that there would ultimately be a labor dispute. The previous collective agreement with the union expired at the end of October, so warning strikes are possible at any time. GDL boss Weselsky had indicated that he considers a collective bargaining round without strikes to be unlikely.
According to Bahn, the GDL is negotiating for almost 10,000 employees of the state-owned company. The union is demanding, among other things, 555 euros more per month. In addition, the working hours for shift workers should be reduced to 35 of 38 hours per week without a reduction in wages. In addition, the tax-free inflation bonus of 3,000 euros is required once. The term should not exceed twelve months. The railway rejects the demands as too high. In total, they would mean a volume of 50 percent more.