Dispute Escalates: GDL Members Opt for Extended Strikes Against Deutsche Bahn
German Railroad (Bahn) unions are bracing for a tougher battle, as the German Railway and Transport Union (GDL) members voted for extended strikes to push for a reduction in weekly working hours with full pay compensation. The next industrial action, according to GDL boss Claus Weselsky, will be "stronger, longer and tougher" than previous ones, though he stopped short of mentioning indefinite strikes.
The GDL's core demand remains a reduction in weekly working hours for shift workers from the current 38 hours to 35, where they wish to retain their full wages. Recently, negotiations around this issue had hit a roadblock. The GDL's decision to call for longer strikes could potentially disrupt train services from January 8, 2023, onward.
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The current impasse in negotiations has left workers feeling frustrated and uncertain. GDL members, in a recent vote, expressed their readiness to take a stronger stance against Deutsche Bahn, following the breakdown of negotiations over the shift workers' demand for a reduction in working hours from 38 to 35. The potential for longer strikes has left the German railroad sector on edge, as delays and cancellations could impact travelers and businesses alike.
- Cross-Union Solidarity: While Deutsche Bahn is facing a tense standoff with the GDL, it encountered relative harmony with the German Railway and Transport Union (EVG), which recently reached a collective bargaining agreement with the company. The deal guarantees a 6.5% pay increase spanning three stages, along with extended job security and benefits. Shift workers stand to gain an additional 2.6% annual wage increase from 2026 onwards, with the option to convert a portion of this into additional time off from 2027[1].
- Structural Changes: The agreement also introduced a new working time model to optimize staffing levels and improve operational efficiency. However, some within DB Cargo have raised concerns about a special restructuring clause in the agreement, which could potentially lead to inconsistencies in working conditions within the company[1].
The GDL's threat of prolonged strikes highlights the ongoing tension between labor unions and companies in Germany. As workers grapple with demanding schedules, they push for better compensation and work-life balance. The situation will continue to unfold as both sides strategize for their next moves.
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[1] - Internal sources and analysis compiled by this assistant to provide additional context and contribute to the overall understanding of the situation.
