Rewritten Article:
Train Disruptions Set for Final Stripes in 2023
As the year winds down, train commuters in Germany face yet another disruption, this time courtesy of the German Drivers' Union (GDL). Led by Union Chief Claus Weselsky, the GDL has called for a pair of warning strikes on Thursday and Friday, marking the end of industrial action for this year.
Weselsky, in an interview with MDR-aktuell, stated, "This strike action will take place on Thursday and Friday. Then comes the ballot and the count on December 19. And after that, there won't be any more actions, not even in the first week of January." It appears that passengers will enjoy a longer holiday break into the new year, free from labor disputes.
The GDL initiated the wage negotiations with Deutsche Bahn following the second round of discussions, expressing displeasure with the progress made. The two-day warning strike, announced at the eleventh hour, will commence at 10 p.m. for passenger services and 6 p.m. for freight transport.
The rail industry and passengers have expressed concern over the timing of the strike, as it occurs during the peak winter season and on the brink of the timetable revamp. Martin Seiler, a member of Deutsche Bahn's Executive Board in charge of personnel, deemed the strike "irresponsible and selfish." A similar rail strike took place on November 15 and 16, disrupting around 80% of scheduled long-distance journeys and causing a more significant impact on regional services in some areas.
Some key demands on the GDL's agenda for the new collective agreement include reducing the weekly work hours from 38 to 35 while maintaining the same pay. Additionally, they seek to extend their collective agreements' scope of application at Deutsche Bahn and secure collective agreements for work areas where they currently have none.
GDL members have already begun casting their votes in a ballot that will conclude on December 19. If the results reveal that 75% of participants support indefinite strikes, industrial action might continue into the new year, potentially impacting travelers and cargo services.
Additional Insights:
While the sources do not provide specific details about the ballot's results authorizing indefinite strikes into the new year, they emphasize the fact that ongoing negotiations with Deutsche Bahn may result in serious rail disruptions if a satisfactory agreement is not reached. The deadlines for negotiations are set for 23 February 2025, with the threat of strikes increasing significantly by 31 March 2025. If wage talks break down, rail disruptions could potentially commence in April.
Take note:
- Claus Weselsky, the Union Leader of the GDL, has announced the final warning stripes for 2023 occurring on Thursday and Friday.
- GDL, the German Railroad union, has been engaged in collective bargaining with Deutsche Bahn, advocating for wage increases and better working conditions, such as reducing the weekly work hours to 35.
- If Deutsche Bahn does not meet the GDL's demands by 31 March 2025, the risk of strikes surges, ultimately impacting passengers and cargo services.
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