GDL calls for one-day rail strike from Thursday evening
In addition to Deutsche Bahn, according to GDL information, the companies Transdev, AKN Eisenbahn, City-Bahn Chemnitz and eight personnel service providers will also be on strike. Negotiations with Transdev, which operates regional routes in several federal states, were declared to have failed by the union shortly beforehand, while negotiations with Deutsche Bahn had already failed almost two weeks ago.
The GDL is demanding a reduction in weekly working hours from the current 38 hours to 35 hours with full pay compensation. DB rejected this as unfeasible in view of the shortage of skilled workers. "The companies are not only ignoring the legitimate needs of their own employees," explained GDL leader Claus Weselsky. "They are also torpedoing the urgently needed measures for successful recruitment."
The union is also demanding a 555 euro wage increase and a 3000 euro inflation bonus for a one-year term. So far, Deutsche Bahn has submitted an offer that provides for an eleven percent wage increase and an inflation bonus of up to 2850 euros - stretched over a term of 32 months. A ballot of GDL members on more frequent and longer industrial action is currently underway.
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Source: www.stern.de
