Unions Stir Up Trouble with One-Day Rail Strike Threat
According to GDL, several companies including Deutsche Bahn, Transdev, AKN Eisenbahn, City-Bahn Chemnitz, and eight personnel service providers, are facing a potential one-day strike from Thursday evening. GDL's latest announcement follows the failure of negotiations with Transdev, which operates regional routes in several federal states. Previously, negotiations with Deutsche Bahn also failed nearly two weeks ago.
The GDL's Demands
The GDL is pushing for a reduction in weekly working hours from the current 38 hours to 35 hours with full pay compensation. Deutsche Bahn, however, has dismissed this demand as impractical in the face of a skilled labor shortage. GDL leader, Claus Weselsky, argues that companies are disregarding their employees' needs and jeopardizing recruitment efforts.
Additionally, the GDL is demanding a 555 euro wage increase and a 3000 euro inflation bonus for a one-year term. In response, Deutsche Bahn has put forth an offer featuring an 11% wage increase and an inflation bonus of up to 2850 euros, although the offer is spread out over a 32-month period. A GDL member ballot on more frequent and prolonged industrial actions is currently underway.
Potential Impacts
The planned one-day strike from Thursday evening could significantly impact public transportation services, causing considerable inconvenience for passengers. The strike threat comes as Deutsche Bahn pursues extensive modernization plans with investments in infrastructure, such as the S3 program aiming to reform the company's structures, improve infrastructure, and enhance operational efficiency.
Recent developments in the public transportation sector include a change in ownership for Transdev, with the Rethmann group acquiring a majority stake, and proposed cuts in public transport funding that could affect bus drivers' jobs and service quality.
Looking Ahead
The future of these labor disputes and negotiations remains uncertain. Both Deutsche Bahn and Transdev will likely work to resolve these outstanding issues with the GDL union to avert a potential strike and minimize service disruptions. The outcome of these negotiations could significantly impact workers' rights, public transportation services, and stakeholders across the industry.
Source:
The provided sources do not contain specific details about the current state or results of the negotiations between the GDL union and Deutsche Bahn or Transdev, nor do they delve into the discussions about reduced weekly hours, wage increases, and inflation bonuses by these companies. However, they do shed light on broader industry contexts such as Deutsche Bahn's modernization plans and Transdev's change in ownership, indicating that the negotiations could remain ongoing.
