GDL counts ballot vote on indefinite strikes

Rewritten Article:

Deutsch Bahn's Showdown with GDL: The Ballot Results Unveiled

The German Railways and Transport Union, GDL, is set to reveal the outcomes of their ballot vote on indefinite strikes at Deutsch Bahn, on Tuesday (5pm). If a majority of at least 75% of GDL members vote in favor, extensive labor actions could ensue in the ongoing wage conflict. It's highly likely that the quorum will be met. With that in mind, what can passengers expect in the coming days?

Is another strike imminent?

Fear not, GDL chairman Claus Weselsky has ruled out further strikes with Deutsch Bahn and its competitor, Transdev, until January 7. Buy your Christmas tickets – your family visits are guaranteed! However, rest easy only for the time being. "From January 8, we should brace for prolonged labor disputes," Weselsky hinted to Augsburger Allgemeine several days ago. "We aim to break the railroad's blockade."

How long can the GDL strike?

There is no time limit when it comes to strikes following a ballot. "We are responsible, and we won't strike indefinitely," Weselsky clarified. But don't be misled – "no more 24-hour strikes" doesn't mean the end of disruptions. Prolonged strikes lasting several days were commonplace in previous collective bargaining rounds. GDL staged five-day strikes in 2021 and even exceeded that with six continuous days of action in 2015. There's a strong possibility we may see this scale of action once again in January. GDL has so far limited the current wage dispute to warning strikes of no more than 24 hours in passenger transport.

Why do longer strikes need a ballot?

Strikes inevitably mean income loss for employees. Although trade unions compensate for lost wages and salaries from strike funds, this is rarely in full. By casting their votes in favor of indefinite strike action, employees demonstrate their willingness to make this financial sacrifice. A union executive committee approves such mass work stoppages only when at least 75% of participating members vote in their favor.

How often have trains been on strike this year?

Regrettably, passengers have already experienced anxiety due to the threat of strikes during the collective bargaining round with the EVG in spring and summer. On three occasions, EVG demanded warning strikes, which were enacted twice. The most recent GDL industrial action on the railways, therefore, marks the third day of strike action this year. Such days have been a costly burden for Deutsch Bahn and a nuisance for customers. Remarkably, the already poor punctuality rate hasn't worsened due to the strikes – train cancellations are not included in the statistics.

When will the dialogue resume?

Time will tell if both parties decide to resume negotiations. At the tail end of November, the GDL declared the wage talks with Deutsch Bahn a failure, and subsequently, those with Transdev. At that point, Weselsky ruled against mediation with an external mediator's aid. A viable path forward remains unclear.

What's the motivation behind the wage dispute?

The GDL has been pressing for a €555 increase in monthly wages, coupled with a one-year tax-free inflation compensation bonus. A more substantial incentive for GDL, however, is its demand for a reduction of weekly working hours for shift workers from 38 to 35 hours, maintained at full pay. Deutsche Bahn is unwilling to concede to this demand, arguing that necessary personnel increases would be excessive.

A recent agreement between the GDL and another rail company, the Italian subsidiary of Netinera, brings some encouraging news for shift workers. The 35-hour work week for shift workers will be gradually introduced from January 1, 2025. Notably, Netinera is less prominent than Deutsch Bahn in Germany, boasting a much smaller German workforce.

What has the wage situation been up until now?

According to the Group, Deutsche Bahn train drivers earn between €45,000 and €56,000 annually, including bonuses. This places them among Deutsche Bahn's most strongly represented professional groups.

Related Reading:

• GDL prepares to reveal the outcome of a ballot vote on indefinite strikes at Deutsch Bahn.
• If at least 75% of members vote in favor, extended industrial actions may occur in the wage dispute.
• Claus Weselsky, GDL chairman, has ruled out further strikes with Deutsch Bahn and Transdev until January 7.
• Passengers can travel for the holiday season without worry but should prepare for potential disruptions in the new year.
• Weselsky hints at the possibility of "longer labor disputes" starting January 8, with intentions to challenge the railroad's blockage.
• Strikes without a time limit may continue following a ballot.
• GDL has called for warning strikes of up to 24 hours in passenger transport during the current dispute.
• The wage dispute centers around a wage increase, tax-free inflation compensation, and a reduction in weekly working hours for shift workers.
• Deutsche Bahn rejects the shift worker demand due to perceived significant personnel increases.

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Enrichment Data:

The wage dispute between Deutsche Bahn (DB) and the German Railway and Transport Union (EVG) has reached a resolution through collective bargaining agreements. Here are the critical aspects of the agreement and its implications:

Potential Outcomes and Duration of the Wage Dispute

1. Resolution: The wage dispute between DB and EVG has been settled with a collective bargaining agreement, extending until December 2027[1][2].
2. Wage Increases: Employees will receive a total wage increase of 6.5% over three stages. The first stage, 2%, will be implemented in July 2025, followed by 2.5% in July 2026, and a one-time 2% bonus on top, payable in December 2027[1][2].
3. Shift Worker Benefits: Shift workers will receive a 2.6% annual wage increase starting in December 2026. In addition, they will have the option to convert part of the increase into additional time off, beginning in 2027[1][2].
4. Job Security: Employees will be protected from layoffs until December 31, 2027[1][2].
5. Restructuring Clause: The agreement includes a special clause for DB Cargo, allowing deviations from standard collective agreements in the event of restructuring, leading to concern among certain workers about potential working conditions inconsistencies[1][2].

Impact on Train Passengers

1. Avoidance of Strikes: The resolution of the wage dispute has prevented immediate disruptions to rail services, keeping passengers' travel plans secure[1][2].
2. Operational Efficiency: The new working time model strives to optimize staffing levels and improve operational efficiency, which could boost service quality[1][2].
3. Potential Future Disputes: Should economic circumstances drastically change before 2027, EVG may revisit mid-term adjustments, setting the stage for possible future disputes[1][2].

In conclusion, the wage dispute resolution between DB and EVG has provided stability for train passengers by eliminating immediate disruptions. However, there is a risk of future disputes based on economic changes, which could potentially impact rail services.