GDL does not want to strike indefinitely
From January 8, planning for rail travelers will become more difficult again, as the GDL is threatening to strike in the ongoing wage dispute. GDL boss Weselsky has a consolation for those affected.
After the members of the train drivers' union GDL agreed to indefinite strikes, GDL boss Claus Weselsky has hit the brakes. "We will go on strike for three to a maximum of five days," the chairman of the train drivers' union told the Rheinische Post newspaper. An indefinite strike would be unacceptable in view of Deutsche Bahn's customers and the economic consequences.
It remains the case that there will be no new strike by train drivers at Deutsche Bahn until January 7. On Tuesday, Weselsky had threatened to strike from January 8 if Deutsche Bahn management did not respond to the union's demands by then. The reduction in working hours must be the main focus, as well as the collective agreement for train dispatchers and the framework collective agreement for vehicle maintenance.
So far in this year's collective bargaining round, train drivers have struck twice at short notice, bringing rail traffic to a virtual standstill. The union had 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.
Following the ballot, an indefinite strike would theoretically be possible. The last time there was such a strike was in 2015, when the railroad workers resumed work after three days following a successful conciliation procedure. Prior to that, there had already been a six-day strike.
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Despite the potential three-to-five-day strike announced by GDL boss Weselsky, the union's customers should still consider alternative travel options to avoid disruptions. The GDL's decision not to pursue an indefinite strike is a positive sign for travelers, as it mitigates the longer-term impact on their journey plans.
Source: www.ntv.de
