GDL and Deutsche Bahn continue wage negotiations
The train drivers' union GDL and Deutsche Bahn continued their negotiations on a new collective agreement on Friday. GDL boss Claus Weselsky, who had been absent for most of Thursday's talks, was also present again this time. When he arrived at the negotiating venue in Berlin on Friday, he refrained from giving an assessment of the current negotiating situation. DB personnel director Martin Seiler also declined to comment.
The sticking point in the wage talks is the GDL's demand for a reduction in working hours from 38 to 35 hours per week for shift workers with full pay. Deutsche Bahn personnel director Seiler considers the demand to be unachievable and sees no room for maneuver in view of the shortage of skilled workers.
The union is also demanding an increase of 555 euros per month and an inflation compensation bonus for a period of one year. In the first round of negotiations two weeks ago, Deutsche Bahn submitted an offer to the GDL, holding out the prospect of an eleven percent pay increase for a term of 32 months.
The union has already staged one strike in the fledgling wage dispute, causing thousands of train cancellations a week ago. In addition, a ballot of GDL members is currently being held on indefinite strikes. The result should be available at the end of December.
Despite the ongoing tariff discussions between GDL and Deutsche Bahn, railway traffic remains unaffected by strikes at the moment. However, the potential for future disruptions due to indefinite strikes, if approved by GDL members, is a concern for the railroad industry.
Source: www.dpa.com
