faq
The GDL is announcing today whether the members of the train drivers’ union are in favor of indefinite strikes on the railway. Will there be another strike immediately – and what should rail passengers be prepared for? Answers to important questions.
In the afternoon, the train drivers’ union GDL presented the result of the strike vote on indefinite strikes at Deutsche Bahn. If at least 75 percent of members agree, more extensive labor disputes in the collective bargaining dispute are possible. It is almost certain that the quorum will be reached. What awaits the passengers – an overview:
Will there be another strike immediately?
No. GDL boss Claus Weselsky has ruled out further labor disputes in the collective bargaining dispute with Deutsche Bahn and also with competitor Transdev up to and including January 7th. So people can go to their families over Christmas and come back again without worrying. But things could quickly get to the point in the new year. “From January 8th onwards, you should expect longer labor disputes,” Weselsky told the “Augsburger Allgemeine” a few days ago. “We will break the blockade of the railway.”
How long can the GDL go on strike for?
In principle, strikes following a strike vote are not subject to a time limit. “We are so responsible that we won’t strike forever,” said Weselsky, but emphasized: “There won’t be any more 24-hour strikes.” In previous collective bargaining rounds, strikes lasting several days were not uncommon. In 2021 the GDL went on strike for five days and in 2015 once for six days. So it’s quite possible that things will continue on this scale in January. So far, the GDL has called for warning strikes of a maximum of 24 hours in passenger transport in the ongoing collective bargaining dispute.
Why is a ballot needed for longer strikes?
For employees, every day of strike means loss of income. Although unions compensate for the loss of wages and salaries from the strike fund, they usually do not compensate for the full amount. The employees therefore send a signal through a ballot that they are prepared to make this financial sacrifice. For a union board to have the green light, at least 75 percent of participating employees must support indefinite strikes.
The votes from the GDL ballot are counted. The union is demanding, among other things, a reduction in working hours from the railway.
How often has DB Group been on strike this year?
The situation is also difficult for passengers because the fear of strikes caused unrest during the collective bargaining round with the competing and much larger Railway and Transport Union (EVG) in the spring and summer. The EVG called for warning strikes three times. They took place twice. The GDL’s most recent industrial action was the fourth warning strike at Deutsche Bahn this year. For the railway, such days mean high costs and annoyance for customers. The already poor punctuality rate is not further worsened by the work stoppages: train cancellations are not taken into account in the statistics.
When will negotiations be held again?
It is unclear when both sides will resume negotiations. At the end of November, the GDL declared the collective bargaining talks with Deutsche Bahn had failed and later also the negotiations with Transdev. At that time, Weselsky ruled out arbitration with the help of an external mediator. There is no way out in sight.
What is the collective bargaining dispute about?
The union is demanding, among other things, 555 euros more per month as well as a tax- and duty-free inflation compensation bonus for a term of one year. The railway offered eleven percent with a term of 32 months. However, at least according to public statements, money only plays a subordinate role. What is more important for the GDL is its demand for a reduction in weekly working hours for shift workers from 38 to 35 hours with full pay. The railway rejects this. From their point of view, the staff increase required for this is too large.
Just a few days ago, the GDL reached such an arrangement in negotiations with another railway company, the Italian state railway subsidiary Netinera. The 35-hour week for shift workers will be gradually introduced there from January 1, 2025. Netinera is significantly smaller than Deutsche Bahn and employs far fewer people in Germany.
How much do train drivers earn so far?
According to the company, as a train driver at Deutsche Bahn you earn between 45,000 euros and 56,000 euros a year including allowances, depending on your professional experience and assignments in international transport or as a trainer. You and the train attendants are among the most represented professional groups in the GDL.
Source: dpa