Railroad chaos looms in January - GDL members want strikes

Questions & Answers - Railroad chaos looms in January - GDL members want strikes

The members of the German Train Drivers' Union want longer and tougher strikes in the wage dispute at Deutsche Bahn and other railroad companies. In a union ballot, 97 percent of those voting were in favor of indefinite industrial action. The result was presented by GDL boss Claus Weselsky on Tuesday evening in Frankfurt am Main. The necessary quorum of at least 75 percent was thus clearly exceeded. What lies ahead for passengers?

Will there be another strike immediately?

No. GDL boss Claus Weselsky reaffirmed on Tuesday evening that the declared "Christmas and New Year's peace" would remain in place. "It also remains the case that no industrial action is to be expected before January 8," he said. This means that people can travel to their families over Christmas without any worries and will be able to return. However, things could come to a head quickly in the new year. "What's coming now will be stronger, longer and tougher for customers," announced the union boss in comparison to the previous warning strikes.

How long can the GDL strike?

In principle, there is no time limit on strikes following a ballot. However, the GDL is not talking about indefinite strikes, emphasized Weselsky. "We are aware of our responsibility." At the same time, he made it clear that the previous strikes of a maximum duration of 24 hours would not be enough.

Strikes lasting several days were not uncommon in previous collective bargaining rounds. The longest GDL strike at Deutsche Bahn to date took place in May 2015 with 127 hours (5 days plus 7 hours) in passenger transport and 138 strike hours (5 days plus 18 hours) in freight transport. At that time, however, it was already the eighth strike since the start of the wage dispute. In 2021, the GDL struck for around five days.

Why do longer strikes require a ballot?

Every day of strike action means a loss of income for 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 the fourth warning strike at Deutsche Bahn this year. For Deutsche Bahn, such days mean high costs and annoyance for customers, whose mood is already limited in view of the low punctuality rate even without a wage dispute.

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 at stake in the wage dispute?

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, at least according to public statements. 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.