Rail Workers' action: Throttle down from Thursday evening
Besides Deutsche Bahn, as per GDL information, companies such as Transdev, AKN Eisenbahn, City-Bahn Chemnitz, and eight personnel service providers will join the labor action. Negotiations with Transdev, which operates regional routes in various federal states, had hit a wall, according to the union. Meanwhile, negotiations with Deutsche Bahn had faltered nearly two weeks ago.
Deutsche Bahn accused the train drivers' union of irresponsibility. Martin Seiler, a member of Deutsche Bahn's Board of Management for Human Resources, argued that the union was ruining the second Advent weekend for millions of uninvolved folks. A strike so soon after the onset of winter and so shortly before the timetable change was "irresponsible and selfish," Seiler stated. Instead of negotiating, the union was striking "for unfulfillable demands." This is unnecessary, he added.
According to Deutsche Bahn, it anticipates severe consequences for passengers during the strike. The company has pledged to keep customers informed swiftly and comprehensively.
GDL boss Claus Weselsky, however, painted a different picture. The upcoming strike, slated for Thursday and Friday, was the final action of the year by his union, Weselsky stated on MDR-"Aktuell" on Wednesday. There would be no further industrial action until January 7, the union chairman emphasized.
The train drivers' union GDL is seeking a reduction in weekly working hours from the current 38 hours to 35 hours with full-pay compensation from Deutsche Bahn. The company maintains that this is unfeasible given the shortage of skilled workers. The unions argue that employers are overlooking their employees' legitimate needs while also obstructing urgently needed recruitment measures.
The union is also demanding a 555 euro wage hike and a 3000 euro inflation bonus for a one-year term. So far, Deutsche Bahn has put forth an offer providing for an eleven percent wage increase and an inflation bonus of up to 2850 euros—spread out over a term of 32 months. Meanwhile, a ballot of GDL members on more frequent and longer industrial action is currently underway. According to GDL boss Weselsky, the vote will be tallied before Christmas.
"We are prepared to negotiate at any time and in any place," emphasized DB personnel director Seiler on Wednesday. "There is much to accomplish: finally address the Christmas issue, shape our 11 percent offer, and work on solutions for our employees and customers."
More to Explore:
- Work stoppages are planned for Deutsche Bahn, Transdev, AKN Eisenbahn, City-Bahn Chemnitz, and eight personnel service providers, as indicated by GDL.
- Negotiations with Transdev, which operates numerous regional routes, were declared a failure by the union briefly before the labor action.
- According to GDL boss Weselsky, the union's upcoming strike is the last action for this year.
- Martin Seiler, a member of Deutsche Bahn's Board of Management for Human Resources, criticized the work stoppage, labeling it as irresponsible and selfish.
- The train drivers' union GDL is demanding a decrease in weekly working hours from 38 to 35 hours with full pay compensation from Deutsche Bahn.
- Deutsche Bahn has informed its customers about the consequences of the work stoppage as quickly and thoroughly as possible.
- Deutsche Bahn has presented an offer that stipulates an eleven percent wage increase and an inflation bonus of up to 2850 euros, but the union is not satisfied with this.
- GDL boss Weselsky also demanded a 555 euro wage hike and a 3000 euro inflation bonus for a one-year term.
- DB personnel director Seiler expressed a willingness to negotiate at any time and in any place, contrasting the current work stoppage.
