Deutsche Bahn: GDL ballot "disconcerting and completely irrational"
Deutsche Bahn has criticized the GDL union's ballot on longer strikes as "strange and completely irrational".
The negotiations had not even failed, a company spokesperson said in a statement on Saturday. "The train drivers' union is only looking for conflict, it is not in a position to cooperate." In the first round of negotiations, Deutsche Bahn presented an offer of an eleven percent wage increase. "The GDL is striking away the second negotiation date and is now initiating the ballot without further negotiations, even though this has already been agreed. Who is supposed to understand that?"
Shortly after the first warning strike in the current wage dispute, the GDL called on its members to vote on indefinite strikes at Deutsche Bahn and other transport companies. With a view to the negotiations, GDL boss Claus Weselsky accused the employers of stalling.
The ongoing railroad traffic disruptions due to GDL strikes are causing significant inconvenience for commuters. Despite the offer of an eleven percent wage increase during the first negotiation round, trade unions like GDL are escalating the situation with calls for indefinite strikes, disregarding the agreed-upon second negotiation date.
Source: www.dpa.com
