Weselsky announces next warning strike
The train drivers' union GDL is sticking to its demands for higher wages and shorter working hours. Its leader Weselsky has therefore announced the next strike. If Deutsche Bahn continues to refuse negotiations, this would lead to an escalation, he warns.
In the wage dispute at Deutsche Bahn, the head of the train drivers' union GDL, Claus Weselsky, has announced another warning strike. "The next warning strike is sure to come. We won't take too much time," Weselsky told the "Rheinische Post" newspaper. The GDL wants to continue talking about pay and working hours. "Our demands are on the table: 555 euros more per month and an inflation compensation bonus. In addition, a reduction in the working week from 38 to 35 hours," summarized Weselsky.
If Deutsche Bahn once again refuses to negotiate this, "it will increase and accelerate the escalation". The GDL boss criticized the employer side for "stonewalling on the reduction of working hours" and having "no interest in upgrading the professions at Deutsche Bahn". These are sticking points. "That's why this industrial action will be the toughest." The union leader also called for a new management style at Deutsche Bahn. "The Group consists of too many managers, to the detriment of all employees. There is downward pressure. That has to stop."
The German Train Drivers' Union (GDL) is demanding a wage increase of at least 555 euros for a collective bargaining period of one year as well as a 25 percent increase in bonuses for shift work and a tax-free inflation payment of 3000 euros. The core issue is a four-day week with 35 hours and full wage compensation for shift workers.
Deutsche Bahn has submitted an offer with an eleven percent wage increase and an inflation bonus of up to 2850 euros for a term of 32 months, but has rejected a reduction in working hours from 38 to 35 hours with a four-day week. The GDL went on strike for 20 hours last week and initiated a ballot the following day in order to be able to call for indefinite strikes.
The strike announcement by GDL's leader Claus Weselsky is due to German Railways' refusal to negotiate on higher wages and shorter working hours. The train drivers' union GDL, led by Weselsky, is planning further action if their demands for a wage increase of at least 555 euros per month, bonus adjustments, and a reduction in working hours to 35 hours aren't met by German Railways' management.
Source: www.ntv.de
