Train
Train drivers: Expect longer strikes from January 8th
“In January there will be longer strikes after a successful strike vote,” says GDL boss Claus Weselsky. photo
© Fabian Sommer/dpa
The GDL stands by its stance: it could become uncomfortable again for passengers in January. But the union not only threatens, it also has a proposal for employers.
In the tariff dispute at Deutsche Bahn, it stands Train drivers’ union GDL maintains its strike threat. “From January 8th, one should expect longer labor disputes,” said chairman Claus Weselsky to the “Augsburger Allgemeine”. “We will break the blockade of the railway.” At the same time, Weselsky appeared willing to compromise on an important controversial issue.
The German Locomotive Drivers’ Union (GDL) declared the collective bargaining negotiations to have failed almost three weeks ago. The employers had previously rejected, among other things, the demand to reduce the weekly working hours for shift workers from 38 to 35 hours with full wage compensation.
Weselsky told the “Augsburger Allgemeine”: “As far as implementation is concerned, we are willing to compromise. You could start around 2025 and gradually reduce the weekly working hours from 38 to 35 hours by 2028.”
Indefinite strikes excluded
So far in this collective bargaining round, the GDL has largely paralyzed rail traffic with two warning strikes. The members will now decide on further industrial disputes in a strike vote. The votes should be counted on December 19th, as Weselsky said. The union had ruled out strikes up to and including January 7th.
“There will be longer strikes in January after a successful strike vote,” confirmed the GDL boss. “There won’t be any more 24-hour strikes.” On the question of indefinite strikes, Weselsky said: “We are so responsible that we will not strike forever.”
Weselsky called Deutsche Bahn’s human resources director, Martin Seiler, an “actor.” “It’s difficult to negotiate with an actor like that.”