GDL demands signal effect from DB Group
In the deadlocked wage dispute with Deutsche Bahn, the train drivers' union GDL believes that the ball is in the company's court to avert strikes in January. Whether and for how long strikes will take place next year depends on the overall situation, said GDL boss Claus Weselsky on RBB on Wednesday morning. "We don't have to strike if Deutsche Bahn reduces the weekly working hours," he said. "If it doesn't, it is clearly signaling to customers that it doesn't care about their inconvenience."
On Tuesday afternoon, the union announced the result of its ballot on longer industrial action to push through the GDL's demands. 97 percent voted in favor - this means that indefinite strikes are also possible. They are threatened from January 8, before which the union had promised a Christmas truce.
The sticking point is the GDL's demand for a reduction in weekly working hours for shift workers from the current 38 to 35 hours with full pay compensation. Because Deutsche Bahn refused to discuss this, the GDL declared the talks to have failed. Weselsky told RBB that Deutsche Bahn's "attitude of refusal" made it impossible to reach a compromise.
The GDL is also demanding at least 555 euros more pay and an inflation bonus of 3000 euros for a one-year term. Deutsche Bahn presented an offer that provides for an eleven percent wage increase and an inflation bonus of up to 2850 euros - stretched over a term of 32 months.
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The collective bargaining dispute between GDL and DB Group has reached a deadlocked stage, with GDL asserting that Deutsche Bahn needs to signal a change in attitude to Avoid potential strikes in January. Despite 97% of GDL members voting in favor of further industrial action, an indefinite strike is still a possibility if a resolution is not reached. The union's demand for a reduction in weekly working hours for shift workers from 38 to 35 hours with full pay compensation remains unmet, leading to the talks' failure according to GDL boss Claus Weselsky.
Source: www.ntv.de
