Deutsche Bahn's Strike Vow: GDL's Last Stand in 2022
Last Thursday, chairperson Claus Weselsky of the German Train Drivers' Union (GDL) announced an unexpected turn of events. GDL announced a one-day rail strike starting on Friday evening, marking the union's stand – but as a "final strike" this year. The first week of January is also set to remain strike-free, as per GDL's declaration. Rail board member Seiler welcomed this news, stating, "Better late than never," echoing the GDL's proposal since September.
The collective bargaining saga between Deutsche Bahn and GDL kick-started at the beginning of November. The primary focal point of the dispute has been GDL's insistence on reducing the working week from 38 hours to 35 hours, with full pay compensation. However, as a result of the talent scarcity, Deutsche Bahn rejected this demand, triggering GDL to label the negotiations a failure. As of now, a GDL-led union poll is underway, gauging support for more frequent and prolonged strikes.
Deutsche Bahn had proposed a "Christmas Truce" to GDL, aiming to pacify tensions. The proposal entailed providing employees with 2,000 euros worth of inflation compensation between December 15 and January 7, provided strikes did not ensue. However, GDL initially declined this proposal.
Insight: EVG, Not GDL
It's worth noting that the current dispute centers around Deutsche Bahn and the German Railway and Transport Union (EVG), rather than the GDL. The ongoing negotiations and agreement have resulted in wage increases, job security, and extra perks for shift workers, mirroring DB's S3 restructuring plan.
Weselsky referred to the ballot counting scheduled for December 19. If 75% of participating union members approve, indefinite strikes become possible.
Key Takeaways
- GDL's chairman, Claus Weselsky, vowed that this strike will be the union's final stand for the year.
- GDL announced a one-day rail strike starting on Friday evening, with the first week of January being set as strike-free.
- Weselsky referenced the union poll, scheduled for December 19. If 75% authorize, indefinite strikes may be possible.
- The main disagreement in collective bargaining has been the train drivers' demand for a 35-hour workweek with full pay compensation.
- Deutsche Bahn had proposed a "Christmas Truce", with employees receiving 2,000 euros of inflation compensation between December 15 and January 7, provided no strikes occurred.
- GDL is holding a ballot to evaluate member support for more frequent and extended strikes, following the negotiations' failure.
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The current collective bargaining dispute between Deutsche Bahn and EVG has come to a close, following three rounds of negotiations. The agreement includes wage increases, expanded benefits for shift workers, and more extensive job security. Joining DB's S3 restructuring program, the agreement will last until the end of 2027, while indefinite strikes are still a possibility.
- The agreement includes wage increases over three stages: 2% in July 2025, 2.5% in July 2026, and an additional 2% in December 2027.
- Shift workers will receive an additional 2.6% wage increase annually, starting in December 2026, with options for partial conversion to extra time off starting in 2027.
- Job security has been extended up to December 31, 2027, eliminating any layoff concerns during this period.
- Introducing a new working time model optimizes efficiency and staffing levels.
- The agreement keeps strikes at bay, ensuring minimal service disruptions.
- A restructuring clause for DB Cargo is included to allow deviations from the standard collective agreement if necessary to support the troubled freight division's restructuring plan.
- Future negotiations may still occur, depending on economic conditions and union demands.
