As of: November 15, 2023 12:00 a.m
Train travelers have to prepare for many train cancellations and delays from this evening onwards. The train drivers’ union GDL announced on Tuesday the first nationwide warning strike in this year’s collective bargaining round.
According to the union, the strike will last from 10 p.m. to Thursday 6 p.m. “The employees’ dissatisfaction is great, their concerns are legitimate,” explained union leader Claus Weselsky. Anyone who thinks they can cynically play for time at the expense of their employees is mistaken. “Now is the time to make improvements; there is no delay!” Weselky continued. The railway has not yet been prepared to respond to key demands such as a reduction in working hours.
Deutsche Bahn sets up an emergency timetable for long-distance transport
Deutsche Bahn (DB) announced that it expects “massive impacts” on rail operations. “The DB will provide information as quickly and comprehensively as possible,” it said in an initial statement. The company called on the short message service X to postpone trips.
In long-distance and regional transport, the range of train journeys will be greatly reduced, but longer trains will be used “in order to be able to bring as many people as possible to their destination,” the railway explained on Tuesday evening.
Hamburg: Restrictions on S-Bahn traffic
The GDL strike is also expected to have a massive impact on traffic on the Hamburg S-Bahn. The company advised passengers to take HVV subways or buses instead from tonight until Thursday evening.
Railway personnel director: A strike at this point in time is absurd
Deutsche Bahn had already sharply criticized the GDL’s fundamental decision to go on strike on Tuesday afternoon. “The decision to strike at this point in time is absurd,” said Deutsche Bahn’s human resources director Martin Seiler. They have just agreed on four further negotiation dates with the GDL and, as an employer, have put an 11 percent offer on the table in the opening round. The GDL is holding millions of people liable and trampling on social partnership.
Labor disputes had already become apparent
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.
Union demands reduction in working hours and more money
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.
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