New Train Strike Announced by GDL's Weselsky: Last Blast Before New Year
Following a three-week notice for a strike, the German train drivers' union GDL, led by Claus Weselsky, has declared another stoppage on Thursday and Friday. Weselsky hinted at a reprieve for passengers as they enter the new year, with this strike serving as the final one for 2022.
Wage negotiations between the GDL and Deutsche Bahn have apparently hit a standstill following the second round of talks. As a result, the union called for a 24-hour warning strike, set to begin at 10 p.m. for passenger transport and 6 p.m. for freight transport, respectively. This strike comes just a day before the scheduled timetable adjustment.
Deutsche Bahn's Executive Board member responsible for personnel, Martin Seiler, has criticized the strike as "irresponsible" and "selfish." The previous strike on November 15 and 16 led to about 80% of scheduled long-distance journeys being canceled, causing significant disruptions in regional services within certain federal states.
The GDL's primary objectives are to reduce the workweek from 38 to 35 hours with the same pay and expand the union's sphere of influence at Deutsche Bahn. The GDL is also holding a ballot for its members to decide on collective agreements and indefinite strikes. The results are due by December 19, with 75% of participating members needing to vote for further strikes to continue.
Plausible Developments for Post-Strike Resolution
Though the sources do not provide explicit details, here are potential post-strike developments based on typical labor dispute proceedings:
- Negotiations: GDL and Deutsche Bahn might resume discussions to reach an amicable agreement on wages and working conditions.
- Strike Resolution: Should the strike be terminated, its resolution could result from concessions from one party or a promise to reconsider certain terms in future negotiations.
- Legal Action: If negotiations fail, either party could opt for legal recourse, such as filing complaints with labor boards or pursuing court orders.
- Public Pressure: The GDL can rally support to put pressure on Deutsche Bahn, leveraging public sentiment, media campaigns, or political organization assistance.
- Re-evaluation of Strategy: If the strike proves unsuccessful, the GDL may reconsider its strategy or seek assistance from other labor unions or international labor organizations.
The actual next steps will be determined by the specific dynamics of the negotiations and the actions taken by both the GDL and Deutsche Bahn.
