Train drivers announce strikes to Deutsche Bahn - timing unclear
Deutsche Bahn and the train drivers' union GDL are struggling to reach a new collective agreement. In the first round, both sides put their ideas on the table - and agree to further rounds of talks. Apparently as a precaution, the train drivers are now announcing strikes.
In the struggle for a new collective agreement for train drivers at Deutsche Bahn, the tone is apparently becoming more heated ahead of the second round of negotiations. According to the state-owned company, the train drivers' union GDL has announced a strike in the wage dispute with Deutsche Bahn. The GDL submitted a strike resolution today, two days before the next round of negotiations, according to Deutsche Bahn. "It is therefore already clear that the GDL will strike. The only thing that is still unclear is when the GDL will strike." The union announced that the relevant committees had decided to call for industrial action. Further details on possible industrial action will be announced separately.
Railroad personnel director Martin Seiler speaks of an absurdity. "We have only just agreed four further negotiation dates with the train drivers' union, and we have already put an 11 percent offer on the table in the opening round," he continued.
In the first round last week, the state-owned company offered, among other things, an eleven percent wage increase over around 32 months. It also held out the prospect of an inflation compensation bonus of up to 2850 euros. "A clear provocation", said GDL boss Claus Weselsky. They are demanding an inflation compensation bonus even without a collective wage agreement. However, Deutsche Bahn would only want this if it refrained from striking at Christmas. "We will not allow our rights to be bought off. There will be no inflation compensation bonus under these conditions with us," he said.
According to Deutsche Bahn, the GDL is negotiating for around 10,000 employees. Among other things, it is demanding an increase of 555 euros per month. In addition, the working hours for shift workers are to be reduced from 38 to 35 hours a week without a reduction in pay. It is also demanding a one-off tax-free inflation bonus of 3,000 euros. The term of the agreement should not exceed twelve months.
Seiler rejected the GDL demand for a four-day week with full wage compensation for the railroad. This would mean that Deutsche Bahn would have to hire an additional 10,000 employees, which is not feasible in the current labor market. Weselsky called the Bahn offer completely inadequate and an affront. GDL boss Weselsky had already indicated that he considered a collective bargaining round without strikes to be unlikely.
The unions' demand for a four-day work week with full wage compensation is being met with skepticism by Deutsche Bahn, as it would require hiring an additional 10,000 employees in the current labor market. The train drivers' union GDL has announced a strike as part of the wage dispute with Deutsche Bahn, with the exact timing still uncertain. The ongoing wage disputes and potential strikes are causing tension as Deutsche Bahn and the GDL attempt to reach a new collective agreement.
Source: www.ntv.de
