Train Strike: Weselsky Announces Last Blast Before New Year
In the aftermath of a three-week notice warning strike, the train drivers' union GDL, led by Claus Weselsky, has announced another strike, set for this Thursday and Friday. Weselsky hinted at a break for passengers leading into the new year, with the upcoming strike being the last one for 2022 respectively.
The wage negotiations between the GDL and Deutsche Bahn have reportedly hit a snag. Following the second round of talks, the union deemed the proceedings a failure and called for a 24-hour warning strike, set to commence at 10 p.m. Thursday for passenger transport and 6 p.m. for freight transport. This strike comes three weeks after the union's initial warning action and is just one day before the scheduled timetable change.
Critics of the GDL, such as Deutsche Bahn's Executive Board member responsible for personnel, Martin Seiler, have called the strike "irresponsible and selfish." The adverse impact wrought by the previous strike, which took place on November 15 and 16, saw over 80% of scheduled long-distance journeys canceled, with regional services hit particularly hard in certain federal states.
Motivated by its desire to reduce the working week from 38 to 35 hours with the same pay and expand its scope of application at Deutsche Bahn, the GDL is continuing its industrial action. The union is also in the midst of a ballot for GDL members to decide on collective agreements and indefinite strikes, with a result due December 19. Should 75% of participating members vote in favor, further strikes could be on the horizon.
Insights:
Labor disputes typically follow a structured process once warning strikes have been initiated. Some of the standard steps that may ensue include negotiations, strike resolution, legal action, public pressure, and re-evaluation of strategy.
Although the provided sources do not directly address what will happen following the GDL's announced last strike for 2022, understanding these general steps can help contextualize the situation.
- Negotiations: When labor disputes arise, both parties typically enter negotiations to find a mutually acceptable solution.
- Strike Resolution: Should the strike be called off, the resolution is often the result of concessions made by one party or a commitment to revisit certain terms in future negotiations.
- Legal Action: If negotiations prove unsuccessful, the party may opt to pursue legal action, seeking court orders to enforce collective bargaining agreements or filing complaints with labor boards.
- Public Pressure: The union might capitalize on public sentiment to exert pressure on the employer, either through rallies, media campaigns, or seeking support from political organizations.
- Re-evaluation of Strategy: If the strike fails to yield the desired outcomes, the union might reconsider its tactics or seek support from other labor unions or international labor organizations.
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Train Strike: Weselsky Announces Last Blast Before New Year
Following a three-week warning strike, the German train drivers' union GDL, under the leadership of Claus Weselsky, has announced another strike for Thursday and Friday. Weselsky hints at a break for passengers leading into the new year, with the upcoming strike being the last for 2022.
GDL and Deutsche Bahn's wage negotiations have reportedly hit a stumbling block following the second round of talks, which led to the union labeling it as a failure and declaring a 24-hour warning strike. The strike, starting at 10 p.m. Thursday for passenger transport and 6 p.m. for freight transport, comes just one day before the scheduled timetable change.
Critics such as Deutsche Bahn's Executive Board member responsible for personnel, Martin Seiler, have called the strike "irresponsible and selfish." The last rail strike took place on November 15 and 16, causing the cancellation of over 80% of scheduled long-distance journeys and causing significant disruptions in certain federal states for regional services.
At the heart of the GDL's demands is a reduction of the working week from 38 to 35 hours with the same pay and an expansion of the union's scope of application at Deutsche Bahn. GDL members are also participating in a ballot to decide on collective agreements and the possibility of indefinite strikes. The result is due December 19, with 75% of participating members needing to vote in favor for further strikes.
