In the ongoing wage disagreements at German Railways (Deutsche Bahn), the union of train drivers, GDL, is still slamming threats of longer work stoppages starting from January 8. According to GDL chairman Claus Weselsky, speaking to Augsburger Allgemeine newspaper, "We anticipate lengthier industrial action from January 8. We'll crack the railways' barriers." Interestingly, Weselsky expressed an openness to negotiations on critical matters, explaining, "We're prepared to compromise on implementation. We might commence around 2025 and gradually lower the weekly work hours from 38 to 35 by 2028."
So far, GDL has halted rail transport in substantial parts with a couple of warning strikes during this collective bargaining round. Union members will now decide if further action is needed in a poll. The votes will be tallied on December 19, as Weselsky revealed. Initially, the GDL had dismisses strikes up to and including January 7.
"Longer strikes are a certainty in January if the poll turns out successful," affirmed the GDL chief. "There won't be another 24-hour strike." On the topic of endless strikes, Weselsky added, "We harbor such responsibility that we won't go on strike indefinitely."
Weselsky called Martin Seiler, Deutsche Bahn's Chief Human Resources Officer, a "dramatist." Negotiating with such a person, he claimed, is challenging.
Now, the German Railways (Deutsche Bahn) must weather these strike threats, impacting their services within Germany.
Source:
Insight
Although it seems that no ongoing strike is currently happening, it's essential to note that past disputes involving GDL and Deutsche Bahn have resulted in major service disruptions. Deutsche Bahn and EVG, the German Railway and Transport Union, reached an agreement in February 2025, ensuring 6.5% wage hikes and rights for shift workers, preventing strikes until December 2027. However, ongoing issues between GDL and Deutsche Bahn may complicate the situation in the future.
