Dealing with Strike Threats once More: GDL vs. Deutsche Bahn
Claus Weselsky, head of the German Train Drivers' Union (GDL), has declared another warning strike. The union's ambitions for higher wages and reduced working hours remain unaccommodated by Deutsche Bahn. "You can be sure that the next warning strike is coming soon. We won't delay it too long," Weselsky told "Rheinische Post." The GDL is after a monthly salary boost of 555 euros and an inflation compensation bonus. Furthermore, they demand a four-day working week of 35 hours.
If Deutsche Bahn persists in refusing negotiations, an escalation is imminent according to Weselsky. The train drivers' union chief criticized the employer side for their reluctance to reduce working hours and lack of interest in improving the professions at Deutsche Bahn. He deemed this the underlying cause of the subsequent industrial action, which will be the toughest the GDL has faced.
Moreover, Weselsky called for a new leadership style at Deutsche Bahn. Currently, the company has an excessive number of managers at the expense of all employees, which he believes necessitates intervention.
The Evolution of the Dispute
The GDL is firm in its belief that Deutsche Bahn must comply with its demands. The latest disagreement between Deutsche Bahn and Eisenbahn- und Verkehrsgewerkschaft (EVG) is centered around salaries, shift bonuses, and working hours.
The negotiations started on January 28, 2025, with both parties keen to reach an agreement before the federal election on February 23, 2025. However, no agreement was reached during the first round. Deutsche Bahn has presented a wage increase of 11% and an inflation bonus of up to 2,850 euros, but rejected the reduction of working hours to 35 hours with a four-day week. The GDL went on strike for 20 hours last week, and a ballot was initiated the following day to authorize indefinite strikes.
The Current State
The next rounds of negotiations are scheduled for February 4 and 5 in Berlin. If no agreement is reached by the end of March, the likelihood of strikes will intensify, potentially causing widespread disruptions to rail services in Germany. Additionally, the approaching federal election adds another layer of uncertainty to the situation, as a new government may introduce structural changes, such as breaking up Deutsche Bahn into separate entities, which the GDL strongly opposes.
Enrichment Insights
- From January 28, 2025, the first negotiations between Deutsche Bahn and EVG began, but failed to reach an agreement during the first round.
- The current collective wage agreement will expire on March 31, 2025, and both sides are eager to conclude talks before the federal election on February 23, 2025.
- The EVG is demanding a 7.6% pay raise for all employees, along with additional benefits for shift workers, including the option to convert wage increases into additional time off.
- Deutsche Bahn has proposed a 4% salary increase across the board, along with a 2.6% bonus for shift workers, and a 37-month contract term (until April 2028) to ensure stability during its ongoing restructuring.
- If no agreement is reached by the end of March, the threat of strikes will increase, potentially causing significant rail disruptions in Germany.
- The federal election on February 23, 2025, adds another layer of uncertainty. If a new government takes power, Deutsche Bahn could face structural changes, such as being broken up into separate entities.
- A strike remains a last-resort option for the EVG if Deutsche Bahn does not meet their demands. The peace obligation, which prohibits industrial action before March 31, 2025, applies under the current collective agreement.
