GDL expects ballot result around Christmas
In the wage dispute at Deutsche Bahn, the German Train Drivers' Union (GDL) is currently putting its members to the vote on indefinite strikes - it expects the result of the ballot to be known by shortly before or shortly after Christmas. Further warning strikes are still not ruled out until then, emphasized a spokesperson.
The ballot has started. The GDL must send all members the relevant documents and wait for their responses. In order for the GDL to strike indefinitely, 75 percent of members must vote in favor.
The union announced the ballot last week, shortly after the first warning strike and around a week after the first round of negotiations in the ongoing wage dispute. With the ballot, GDL boss Claus Weselsky wants to ensure that the industrial action is legally secure. Warning strikes that last too long could be banned by the labor courts. There are no rules regarding the duration and frequency of strikes after a ballot.
Deutsche Bahn criticized the ballot at the weekend as "irrational". "The train drivers' union is only seeking conflict, it is not in a position to cooperate," the company announced. Among other things, the GDL is demanding a 555 euro increase per month and an inflation compensation bonus. However, the crux of the conflict is their demand for a reduction in working hours for shift workers from 38 to 35 hours per week with full wage compensation. Deutsche Bahn rejects this. So far, it has offered eleven percent more money for a term of 32 months as well as the demanded inflation compensation bonus.
- If the German Train Drivers' Union (GDL) receives a favorable result in the ballot, it might escalate the wage dispute at German Railways (Deutsche Bahn) with indefinite strikes, potentially impacting railroad traffic and affecting consumers.
- Tariffs for German Railways might increase if the ongoing wage dispute leads to extended strikes, as a result of increased operational costs due to labor shortages.
- In response to GDL's ballot and threat of indefinite strikes, German Railways may consider imposing new traffic regulations to manage the potential disruptions caused by the work stoppages.
- If the ballot result favors GDL and strikes ensue, the German government might intervene to mediate a resolution, as railroad infrastructure plays a significant role in the country's industrial and consumer traffic.
Source: www.dpa.com
