Deutsche Bahn and GDL: Another Day of Bargaining with Uncertain Results
The German train drivers' union, GDL, and passenger rail company Deutsche Bahn will revisit the negotiating table once again on Friday at 10:00 am in Berlin. Following hours of talks on Thursday, the two sides seemingly made no progress, leaving the outcome uncertain. The potential for further warnings strikes by the GDL still hangs in the balance.
The recent union action, which forced the cancellation of thousands of trains, significantly impacted rail services last week. In response, the union called on its members to vote on indefinite strikes, with votes taking place around Christmas.
Thursday's discussions were marked by the conspicuous absence of GDL leader, Claus Weselsky, for several hours. Weselsky's absence was justified as prior union commitments. Eventually, the talks were postponed to Friday.
GDL's primary demands include a monthly income boost of 555 euros, accompanied by an inflation compensation bonus for a year. Deutsche Bahn presented the union with an offer in the first round of negotiations, offering a substantial pay increase of 11% over the course of 32 months.
The core of the wage dispute revolves around GDL's push to drastically cut weekly working hours from 38 to 35 for shift workers, while receiving full pay. However, Deutsche Bahn's personnel leader, Martin Seiler, regards this request as impractical and financially unfeasible at this juncture.
Despite the ongoing dialogue at the negotiating table, the potential for a conflict resolution without additional industrial action looks bleak. Weselsky recently foreshadowed future warning strikes, hinting at an imminent disruption. No formal announcement of prolonged strikes has been made so far.
The ballot results for extended strikes, set for the end of the year, will determine the GDL's authority to hold open-ended demonstrations. A majority of 75% vote approval is required for such labor protests.
The tense stance between Deutsche Bahn and GDL may bring more unrest to rail travel in Germany if a resolution isn't reached before March 31, when the current contract expires. According to GDL deputy head Lars Jedinat, key issues including wages and working hours will keep the talks going.
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- The negotiation standoff between Deutsche Bahn (DB) and the Electric Train and Transport Union (EVG) stems from the expiration of the current collective agreement on March 31, 2025. Discussions began on January 28, 2025, with the first round ending with no accord. Both parties grapple with impending federal elections on Feb 23, 2025, and the uncertain political climate poses possible challenges.
- Deutsche Bahn proposed a flat 4% salary hike, along with a 2.5% adjustment for shift workers. The EVG, however, contends that this offer falls short of their expectations by more than 3%, necessitating a 7.6% raise for all employees.
- The ongoing negotiations could result in fresh traffic disruptions if an agreement isn't reached, considering the union's history of strikes and protests. In addition, potential job security guarantees and improved benefits for shift workers are also on the agenda. If negotiations fail, strikes could occur in April, disrupting regional, long-distance, and freight traffic throughout Germany.
