Train drivers' union - GDL boss Weselsky: "We should expect longer labor disputes from January 8"
The train drivers' union GDL has held out the prospect of new and longer rail strikes after the Christmas vacations. "We should expect longer industrial action from January 8," GDL boss Claus Weselsky told the Augsburger Allgemeine newspaper on Wednesday. Although rail passengers would not have to prepare for an indefinite strike for the time being, they would have to be prepared for a longer standstill than before.
"We will strike the railroads in moderation," said Weselsky. "We don't have to strike indefinitely to bring the rail system to a standstill." The union is also "so responsible that we will not strike forever".
GDL boss calls Deutsche Bahn personnel director an "actor"
Weselsky accused DB personnel director Martin Seiler of not wanting to negotiate on the GDL 's core demand - the reduction of the working week from 38 to 35 hours for shift workers. "We will break the railroads' blockade," the GDL boss told the Augsburger Allgemeine newspaper. "If Mr. Seiler does not negotiate with us, the question of power will arise." Weselsky told the Augsburger Allgemeine: "As far as implementation is concerned, we are willing to compromise. We could start around 2025 and gradually reduce the working week from 38 to 35 hours by 2028." Weselsky called the Chief Human Resources Officer of Deutsche Bahn an "actor". "It's difficult to negotiate with such an actor."
The train drivers last held a nationwide warning strike last Friday. A ballot of union members is currently underway to strike more frequently and for longer from January. The result is to be announced on December 19. "I expect a high level of approval for industrial action, i.e. significantly more than the necessary 75 percent," GDL boss Weselsky told theAugsburger Allgemeine newspaper. "So far, we have only called for 24-hour warning strikes twice."
In the gallery: Strikes are still possible in the wage dispute between the German Train Drivers' Union (GDL) and Deutsche Bahn - the union has experience with work stoppages. A look back.
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Source: www.stern.de
