GDL boss Weselsky rules out indefinite strike
Even if the GDL members vote in favor of indefinite strikes, they will not happen, says boss Weselsky in an interview. This is ultimately up to the railroads themselves. It must finally respond to the union's core demands.
The head of the train drivers' union, Claus Weselsky, has ruled out indefinite strikes. "Of course. Why should I go on indefinite strike action when the effectiveness of our measures is clear to everyone," said Weselsky on Deutschlandfunk radio.
He reiterated that there would be no strikes until January 7."From the 8th, however, we will take action unless the DB AG management comes to its senses." So far, however, the railroad board has not come knocking for new negotiations. "In order to get back into negotiations, the employer side must make an offer," demanded Weselsky. The reduction in working hours must be at the forefront, as well as the collective agreement for train dispatchers and the framework collective agreement for vehicle maintenance.
Weselsky also explained on Inforadio: "We let the negotiations fail because Mr. Seiler, the head of human resources (at Deutsche Bahn, editor's note), refused to negotiate with us about reducing weekly working hours, a collective agreement for train dispatchers and a framework collective agreement for vehicle maintenance. This attitude of refusal makes it impossible to find a compromise." With regard to possible strikes, the GDL boss said: "Whether and for how long the GDL goes on strike from January depends on the overall situation. "We don't have to strike if Deutsche Bahn reduces the weekly working hours (...) If it doesn't, it is clearly signaling to customers that it doesn't care about their inconvenience."
So far in this year's collective bargaining round, train drivers have struck twice, bringing rail traffic to a virtual standstill. The union declared the talks with the state-owned company to have failed at the end of November. The biggest point of contention is the reduction in working hours from 38 to 35 hours per week for shift workers demanded by the GDL with full pay compensation. It is also demanding an increase of 555 euros per month and an inflation compensation bonus of 3000 euros.
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Claus Weselsky, the head of the GDL, mentioned that indefinite strikes are not a possibility, despite favorable votes from members, as the initiative lies with the German railroad itself. The core demands of the GDL, including the reduction in working hours and collective bargaining agreements, remain unmet, leading to potential strikes from January 8 if management does not engage in negotiations.
Source: www.ntv.de
