As of: 08/22/2021 02:11 a.m.
In the middle of the renewed strike, Deutsche Bahn is apparently ready to take a step towards the GDL union: As the “BamS” reports, it now wants to negotiate a corona bonus for train drivers.
In the wage dispute with the train drivers’ union GDL, according to a media report, Deutsche Bahn is open to negotiating the demand for a corona bonus. That reported the “Bild am Sonntag”.
It is about taking a “material step” towards the GDL, the newspaper quoted an unnamed source from negotiating circles. Previously, Federal Transport Minister Andreas Scheuer asked the negotiators on the part of Deutsche Bahn to take a step towards the union.
GDL wants a bonus of 600 euros for train drivers
The GDL is demanding a corona premium of 600 euros for train drivers. So far, the railway had rejected this request. In addition to better working conditions, the union also wants to push through a wage increase of around 3.2 percent for its members.
With regard to the salary increase, Deutsche Bahn had submitted a compromise offer: It does not want to pay out the wage increase immediately, but in two stages – 1.5 percent by January 1, 2022 and 1.7 percent by March 1, 2023. The boss the GDL, Claus Weselsky, described this offer as inadequate.
From Monday there will also be a strike in passenger traffic
After a first strike in mid-August, the GDL members started again on Saturday afternoon. First of all, the strike affects freight traffic. In the night from Sunday to Monday, it should then also be extended to passenger traffic and continue until Wednesday.
As a result, millions of passengers have to prepare for train cancellations and delays at the beginning of the week. The strike also hits travelers, as there are still summer holidays in ten federal states.