Disruptions on the Horizon as 2023 Train Strikes Approach
As we head towards the end of the year, German train commuters face potential upheaval once again, this time with strikes announced by the German Drivers' Union (GDL). Union Chief Claus Weselsky declared in an interview with MDR-aktuell, "These strikes will happen on Thursday and Friday. After that, a ballot and count will take place on the 19th of December. Following this, there won't be any more actions, not even in the first week of January."
Weselsky had expressed frustration with the progress made during wage negotiations, prompting the late announcement of the two-day warning strike which will commence at 10:00 p.m. for passenger services and 6:00 p.m. for freight transport on the days mentioned.
Concerns have been raised about the timing of the strikes, particularly 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," arguing that it would worsen the impact of the strike that took place on November 15 and 16, affecting around 80% of long-distance journeys and causing substantial disruption to regional services in some areas.
Among the demands of the GDL for the new collective agreement are a reduction of weekly work hours from 38 to 35 while maintaining the same pay. They also aim to extend the scope of application of their collective agreements to Deutsche Bahn and secure collective agreements for work areas where they do not currently have any.
GDL members are voting in a ballot that will end on December 19. If 75% of participants vote in favor of indefinite strikes, industrial action could continue into the new year, potentially impacting travelers and cargo services.
Background Information:
The ongoing negotiations between Deutsche Bahn and the German Railway and Transport Union (EVG) could result in significant disruptions if the two parties do not reach an agreement by March 2025. Without an agreement, the risk of strikes increases significantly, potentially impacting a wide range of services across Germany throughout the winter season and beyond.
Sources:
- Original Source
- Enrichment Data Sources from Deutsche Bahn and the German Railway and Transport Union (EVG) negotiations, including potential impact, deadlines, and possible structural changes to Deutsche Bahn due to political shifts. Some information about wage increases and the current collective bargaining agreement was also included in the enrichment data.
