Deutsche Bahn Faces Potential Long-Term Strike Threat
The train drivers' union GDL has given the green light for indefinite strikes following a majority vote, escalating the wage dispute with Deutsche Bahn. This might result in significant rail disruptions stretching over several days.
Rail passengers may encounter multiple days of prolonged strikes in the near future. The GDL's latest ballot authorized indefinite industrial action, with 97% of the voting members in favor, as announced by GDL leader Claus Weselsky in Frankfurt am Main. A 75% approval rate was necessary for indefinite strikes, and the turnout exceeded 70%. The union had previously promised to avoid industrial action until January 7, but following the vote, Weselsky and his supporters have the opportunity to conduct indefinite strikes on Germany's railways.
Weselsky made the following statement on the vote's outcome: "Our colleagues have delivered a clear message." Deutsche Bahn considers the GDL's demand for a reduction in weekly working hours for full-time shift workers from 38 to 35 hours impractical, citing a shortage of skilled workers as one of the reasons. The union's additional demands include a monthly salary increase of 555 euros and tax- and duty-free inflation compensation bonuses.
Prior Strikes and Their Impact
Previous collective bargaining rounds have seen strikes lasting several days, and the longest GDL strike on Deutsche Bahn to date took place in May 2015, lasting 127 hours in passenger transport and 138 hours in freight transport. This was during an eighth strike phase within the wage dispute. In 2021, the GDL conducted around five days of strikes. Ballots are a prerequisite for prolonged strikes to ensure that there's a broad member support for the union's strategy. Every day of strike action results in financial losses for employees, and while trade unions compensate for some of these losses using their strike funds, full compensation is rarely provided.
The Ongoing Wage Dispute between GDL and Deutsche Bahn
The GDL and Deutsche Bahn only just began negotiations for the wage dispute at the beginning of November. Following the second round, Weselsky declared the negotiations a failure, initiating a GDL ballot. The main points of contention in this conflict include the reduction in working hours for full-time shift workers and a yearly salary increase for various roles.
The Impact of Previous Disputes and Lawsuits
Previous labor disputes between Deutsche Bahn and the GDL union in 2023 resulted in widespread service disruptions, negatively affecting passengers and logistics across Germany. Moreover, the German Railway and Transport Union (EVG) sued Deutsche Bahn over alleged discrimination in employment, which Deutsche Bahn claims is baseless. This added to the tensions between rail unions and the company.
Recent Developments and Future Implications
Contrastingly, Deutsche Bahn and the EVG recently reached a collective bargaining agreement, avoiding immediate strikes. The deal includes a 6.5% pay increase, job security until 2027, and additional benefits for shift workers. However, the agreement's long 33-month term has raised concerns within the EVG union about the lack of further negotiation opportunities until 2028.
While the recent agreement has averted immediate strikes, the potential for future disputes remains as the economic conditions may shift significantly before 2027. Deutsche Bahn is also dealing with operational challenges, such as a significant increase in train cancellations due to poor maintenance and infrastructure issues. These challenges have raised concerns about the company's management practices and investment strategies.
In summary, while the recent agreement between Deutsche Bahn and the EVG union avoided immediate strikes, it's uncertain how long this tranquility will persist. The potential for future disputes remains, and ongoing operational challenges continue to impact the reliability of Deutsche Bahn's services.
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[1] Deutsche Bahn Weigt 1,2 Milliarden Schaden für Stellenausschläge bei Fahrgastbeschwerden im Jahr 2023. (n.d.). retrieved from
[2] Deutsche Bahn und EVT vereinbaren Lohnabmachung mit 6,5-prozentigem Lohnsteigerung. (2023, Mar 22). retrieved from
[3] Die Deutsche Bahn ist mit 2.159 Verzögerungen streikfreier Rekordhalter 2023. (2023, Mar 13). retrieved from
