GDL counts ballot vote on indefinite strikes

Traffic - GDL counts ballot vote on indefinite strikes

The train drivers' union GDL will present the result of the ballot on indefinite strikes at Deutsche Bahn on Tuesday (17:00). If at least 75 percent of members vote in favor, more extensive industrial action is possible in the wage dispute. It is almost certain that the quorum will be reached. What will passengers have to expect?

Will there be another strike immediately?

No. GDL boss Claus Weselsky has ruled out further industrial action in the wage dispute with Deutsche Bahn and its competitor Transdev up to and including January 7. This means that people can travel to their families over Christmas and come back again without any worries. But in the new year, things could quickly get down to business. "From January 8, we should expect longer labor disputes," Weselsky told the Augsburger Allgemeine newspaper a few days ago. "We will break the railroad's blockade."

How long can the GDL then strike?

In principle, there is no time limit on strikes following a ballot. "We are so responsible that we will not strike forever," said Weselsky, but emphasized: "There will be no more 24-hour strikes." Strikes lasting several days were not uncommon in previous collective bargaining rounds. In 2021, the GDL struck for five days, and once for six days in 2015. It is therefore quite possible that it will continue on this scale in January. So far, the GDL has called for warning strikes of a maximum of 24 hours in passenger transport in the current wage dispute.

Why do longer strikes require a ballot?

Every day of strike action means a loss of income for the employees. Although trade unions compensate for the loss of wages and salaries from the strike fund, this is usually not in full. The employees therefore send out a signal by ballot that they are prepared to make this financial sacrifice. For a union executive committee to give the green light, at least 75 percent of participating employees must vote in favor of indefinite strike action.

How often has the DB Group been on strike this year?

The situation is also difficult for passengers because the fear of strikes already caused unrest during the collective bargaining round with the EVG in spring and summer. EVG called for warning strikes three times. They took place twice. The most recent GDL industrial action was therefore the third day of strike action on the railways this year. For Deutsche Bahn, such days mean high costs and annoyance for customers. However, the already poor punctuality rate is not further worsened by the strikes: train cancellations are not included in the statistics.

When will negotiations resume?

It remains to be seen when both sides will resume negotiations. At the end of November, the GDL declared the wage talks with Deutsche Bahn to have failed and later also the negotiations with Transdev. At the time, Weselsky ruled out mediation with the help of an external mediator. A way out is not in sight.

What is the wage dispute about?

Among other things, the union is demanding an increase of 555 euros per month as well as a tax and duty-free inflation compensation bonus for a period of one year. Deutsche Bahn has offered eleven percent for a term of 32 months. However, the money only plays a subordinate role. More important for the GDL is its demand for a reduction in weekly working hours for shift workers from 38 to 35 hours with full pay. Deutsche Bahn rejects this. In their view, the necessary increase in personnel is too great.

Just a few days ago, the GDL reached such an agreement in negotiations with another rail company, the Italian state rail subsidiary Netinera. There, the 35-hour week for shift workers will be gradually introduced from January 1, 2025. Netinera is significantly smaller than Deutsche Bahn and employs far fewer people in Germany.

What have train drivers earned so far?

According to the Group, train drivers at Deutsche Bahn earn between €45,000 and €56,000 a year, including bonuses, depending on their professional experience and assignments in international traffic or as an instructor. They and train attendants are among the most strongly represented occupational groups in the GDL.