Train Union Under Fire for Planned Strikes, Causing "Harm" to Millions
The Association of German Cities (Landsberg) has lambasted the train drivers' union for planning warning strikes, deeming the moves as selfish, according to reports. The strikes, which began on Thursday evening, are set to last for 24 hours and have disrupted both passenger and freight transport, prompting Deutsche Bahn to draw up an emergency timetable.
Defending the union's actions, Claus Weselsky, the GDL boss, claimed that they had no choice but to initiate the strikes, due to Deutsche Bahn's unwillingness to negotiate on weekly working hours and collective agreements for train dispatchers.
The coverage in the Düsseldorf newspaper Rheinische Post painted a picture of escalating tensions between the union and Deutsche Bahn, with Landsberg criticizing the strikes as harmful to millions of people and the environment.
The union's request for a 35-hour week in shift work, down from the current 38 hours, has been met with rejection by Deutsche Bahn. The company considers the demand unrealistic in the context of the current skilled worker shortage.
Additional Insights:
- Wage Disputes: At the heart of the dispute are the union's demands for a 7.6% pay raise, higher than Deutsche Bahn's initial offer of a 6.5% increase.
- Job Security: The union is also concerned about the proposed 37-month contract term (until April 2028), preferring a shorter agreement for future renegotiations.
- Shift Worker Benefits: The union has secured additional annual wage increases for shift workers, with the option to convert part of it into additional time off from 2027.
- Political Uncertainty: Both sides were motivated to reach an agreement before the German federal election on February 23, 2025, avoiding potential political changes that could impact railway funding and company structure.
The ongoing labor dispute and warning strikes have resulted in significant disruptions in the transportation sector. Deutsche Bahn has warned of train cancellations and delays on both local and long-distance services.
Sources: & Enrichment Data.
