Arbitration failed to resolve bus worker dispute, employers deemed insensitive.

Dispute over wages. - Arbitration failed to resolve bus worker dispute, employers deemed insensitive.

In a surprising turn of events, Verdi, a union representing private bus companies in Hesse, has declared a renewed warning strike despite ongoing negotiations for mediation. This move has left employers perplexed, with the negotiator for the Hessian Bus Association, Volker Tuchan, questioning the necessity of the strike on May 29th. Considering the mediation arrangement had already been agreed upon, one can't help but ponder the intent of this protest.

Verdi, the union at the center of this conflict, has planned nearly comprehensive strikes across private bus companies in the state, potentially causing substantial disruptions to public transport - particularly in Frankfurt, smaller cities, and rural regions. "We're simply highlighting our demands before engaging in mediation," said Verdi negotiator Jochen Koppel.

This Friday (31st May), a mediating committee made up of equal parts from each side is expected to be formed, allowing each party to appoint an independent mediator. In the ongoing wage dispute, Verdi is calling for a two-step increase of 8.5% for the 6,000 employees, a 3,000 euro inflation adjustment for each worker, and paid breaks. The employers, however, consider these demands unfeasible and offered an increase of 9.3% over three steps instead.

Bemused and dismayed, Tuchan expressed his disappointment at the potential impact on commuters: "It's highly regrettable that the passengers of public transport will yet again be affected."

Hessian Bus Association (LHO): linkVerdi union: link

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1. Despite the upcoming mediation session on May 31st, Verdi has announced its intention to continue the wage dispute through a warning strike, potentially affecting traffic in Frankfurt am Main and other cities in Hesse.
2. The United Services Union (Verdi) in Hesse has stated that their demands, including a 8.5% wage increase and a 3,000 euro inflation adjustment, were not met by the employers, leading to the escalation of the dispute into a tariff conflict.
3. The ongoing wage dispute between Verdi and the Hessian Bus Association has resulted in a bitter conflict, with the Frankfurt am Main city traffic likely to face disruptions due to the union's warning strike and potential comprehensive strikes across private bus companies in the state.
4. In response to Verdi's renewed strike action, the employer has expressed concerns over the negative impact on commuters and the public transport system, with negotiator Volker Tuchan stating that the passengers will be affected once again.
5. The current wage dispute in Frankfurt, Hesse, involving the United Services Union (Verdi) and private bus companies, has led to a tense situation with tariff discussions, and the possibility of further escalation through warning strikes and comprehensive strikes across the state, potentially resulting in high traffic congestions and disruptions.

Source: www.stern.de