Revised Article:
Germany's Rail Workers Strike: Disruptions Calculated from Thursday
Besides Deutsche Bahn, various companies such as Transdev, AKN Eisenbahn, City-Bahn Chemnitz, and eight personnel service providers are joining the rail workers' labor action, according to GDL information. Negotiations with Transdev, which operates regional routes in numerous federal states, have allegedly hit a dead end, as reported by the union. The talks with Deutsche Bahn faltered approximately two weeks ago.
Deutsche Bahn accused the train drivers' union of irresponsibility. Martin Seiler, a Deutsche Bahn board member for Human Resources, argued that the union was endangering the second Advent weekend for millions of uninvolved individuals. Striking so soon after winter's onset and just before the timetable change, Seiler declared, was "irresponsible and selfish." He further asserted that the union was striking for "unfulfillable demands" unnecessarily.
Deutsche Bahn anticipates severe consequences for passengers during the strike. The company has vowed to keep customers informed swiftly and comprehensively.
However, GDL chairman Claus Weselsky painted a different picture. He declared that the upcoming strike, scheduled for Thursday and Friday, was the final action of the year by his union (as reported on MDR-"Aktuell" on Wednesday). Weselsky assured there would be no further industrial action until January 7.
The train drivers' union GDL is demanding 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 infeasible given the shortage of skilled workers. The unions argue that employers are ignoring their employees' legitimate needs while obstructing urgently necessary recruitment measures.
GDL is also demanding a 555 euro wage hike and a 3000 euro inflation bonus for a one-year term. So far, Deutsche Bahn has offered an eleven percent wage increase and an inflation bonus of up to 2850 euros—spread out over a term of 32 months. Meanwhile, GDL members are currently voting in a ballot for more frequent and extended industrial action. Weselsky stated that the results would be announced 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."
While Deutsche Bahn, Transdev, AKN Eisenbahn, City-Bahn Chemnitz, and eight personnel service providers are joining the labor action as per GDL information, there isn't enough information readily available to detail their exact circumstances and demands leading to the work stoppages.
Relevant Details
According to the enrichment data, work stoppages are currently affecting several entities across Germany, including De Lijn in Flanders and bpost. The unions in these cases are dissatisfied with the policies of the federal government or management proposals, respectively. It's essential to examine available sources to obtain accurate and detailed information about specific companies engaged in labor disputes.
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