GDL makes progress on working time issue - but not at Deutsche Bahn
The deadlocked wage talks between Deutsche Bahn and the GDL are causing many passengers to break out in a cold sweat at the thought of strike action. But there are rays of hope: progress is being made with two regional rail operators on the key issue of reducing working hours. However, industrial action is not off the table.
The train drivers' union GDL has announced progress in its wage negotiations with two railroad companies. Transdev has shown itself willing to discuss a reduction in weekly working hours, the union explained on Monday evening. Negotiations would therefore continue this Tuesday. At Netinera, talks on the core issue of reducing working hours are "well advanced". A conclusion could be reached next week.
Transdev and Netinera each operate a number of regional railroads in several federal states. The GDL will not call strikes at the companies for the duration of the negotiations, the union stated. Deutsche Bahn, on the other hand, was accused of "persisting in its ignorant blockade attitude" and thus accepting "further industrial action".
A week and a half ago, the GDL declared the wage negotiations at DB to have failed. However, no strike notice has yet been issued. The sticking point is the dispute over the 35-hour week for shift workers. Deutsche Bahn rejects the reduction in working hours as well as a four-day week with full pay compensation.
With regard to the negotiations at Transdev, the GDL stated that the railroad company is prepared to talk about a 35-hour week with five working days. The union did not provide any further details on the possible agreement at Netinera.
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The GDL's progress in negotiating reduced working hours with Transdev and Netinera, two regional rail operators, is a positive development for train drivers. Despite this, the GDL has not ruled out strikes at Deutsche Bahn, where wage talks have stalled over the 35-hour week for shift workers. The GDL criticizes Deutsche Bahn for its "ignorant blockade attitude" and continues to push for change.
Source: www.ntv.de
