Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing reacted to the strike announcement by the train drivers’ union GDL with sharp criticism. “I have zero understanding for this form of collective bargaining,” said the FDP politician on ZDF. In his opinion, the collective bargaining conflict between Deutsche Bahn and GDL is becoming increasingly destructive. “I also don’t think that Mr. Weselsky is doing himself or his union a favor with this style,” said Wissing, referring to GDL chairman Claus Weselsky.
The German Locomotive Drivers’ Union (GDL) had previously called on its employees to go on strike again. This will begin in passenger traffic early on Wednesday morning at two o’clock and should last until Monday next week at 6 p.m. Deutsche Bahn presented a new tariff offer on Friday, the third in this round so far. In this, Deutsche Bahn addresses the GDL’s core demand for the first time to reduce working hours for train drivers and other shift workers without sacrificing wages.
Despite the announcement of the long strike, Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) does not want to get involved in the collective bargaining dispute. This is not planned at this point, said government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit. Collective bargaining autonomy in Germany is important. “That is a matter for the collective bargaining parties.” However, the Chancellor would of course like to have quick and constructive discussions so that the side effects remain as minimal as possible. He therefore reiterates his call for an amicable agreement.
Weselsky: Strikes are legal and proportionate
As expected, GDL boss Weselsky defended the six-day strike. It is the longest industrial action he has called in his time as chairman of the union, which he has led since 2008. He criticized the employers for not accommodating the union with their latest offer. “We can read. We know what is written there. And it is not a basis for negotiations with the DB.” Weselsky described the strikes as “lawful, proportionate and permissible”.
A week and a half ago, the railway tried to prevent the train drivers’ strike by issuing an interim injunction. However, it failed before the Frankfurt Labor Court and the Hesse State Labor Court. This time the company says it does not want to take legal action against the GDL plans. “DB will not appeal against the six-day GDL strike,” the company said. After legal review, there are currently no plans to obtain an interim injunction.