Weselsky: I Won't Shoulder Blame for Wage Dispute Escalation
The head of Germany's train drivers' union (GDL), Claus Weselsky, lays the blame for the tense wage dispute and impending warning strike at the feet of Deutsche Bahn management. In an interview with radio station WDR5, Weselsky stated, "I won't allow myself to be blamed for escalating the situation if the other side says, 'I won't negotiate with you about weekly working hours and I won't negotiate with you about collective agreements for train dispatchers'."
No compromise was reached due to the employers' refusal to negotiate on these crucial points. The reduction of the working week from 38 to 35 hours for shift workers is a primary demand of the GDL. DB Board Member for Human Resources, Martin Seiler, opposes such negotiations, citing the shortage of skilled workers and the potential need for significantly more employees.
The GDL has initiated a nationwide warning strike, leading to numerous cancellations on both regional and long-distance services since Wednesday evening. This industrial action is slated to continue until 6 p.m. on Thursday evening, forcing Deutsche Bahn to call off the second round of negotiations originally scheduled for Thursday.
Feeling aggrieved, Weselsky accused Deutsche Bahn's management on WDR5, attributing the railroad's ongoing chaos, unpunctuality, and unreliability to poor management at senior levels.
Weselsky hinted that Deutsche Bahn's management might face criticism if they refused to engage in discussions regarding weekly working hours and collective agreements for train dispatchers, repeating the stance he shared on WDR5. The ongoing stalemate between the GDL and Deutsche Bahn concerning reduced working hours for shift workers has resulted in traffic disruptions on both regional and long-distance services, with GDL leaders attributing Deutsche Bahn's position as the cause.
Context and Enrichment (up to 15% of content)
The latest negotiations between Deutsche Bahn and the Eisenbahn- und Verkehrsgewerkschaft (EVG) revolve significantly around wage increases and job security, although there is no explicit focus on reducing working hours for shift workers. The key highlights of these negotiations are:
- Wage Demands:
- The current collective wage agreement between Deutsche Bahn and EVG is set to expire on March 31, 2025, with negotiations initially planned for later in the year but accelerated ahead due to the upcoming German federal election scheduled for February 23, 2025.
- Deutsche Bahn has proposed a 4% salary increase across the board along with 2.6% additional pay for shift workers. However, the EVG has pushed for at least a 7.6% increase for all employees.
- Negotiation Rounds:
- The first round of negotiations concluded without an agreement, and the subsequent rounds are scheduled for February 4 and 5 in Berlin.
- The EVG has emphasized the need for speedy and constructive negotiations but has also indicated that strikes would remain an option if vital demands are not met.
- Contract Duration:
- Deutsche Bahn has proposed a 37-month contract term, which the EVG is apprehensive about due to the risk of economic conditions evolving during this period.
- Threat of Strikes:
- If no agreement is reached by the end of March, the likelihood of strikes increases, potentially leading to significant disruptions in rail services across Germany.
- The current collective agreement contains a peace obligation, prohibiting industrial action until March 31, 2025. However, should negotiations fail, this could change.
- Political Uncertainty:
- The looming German federal election adds another layer of uncertainty, as a new government could result in structural changes for Deutsche Bahn, including possible privatization of segments of the company, which the EVG opposes.
In conclusion, while the current negotiations primarily revolve around wage increases and job security, the broader context of these discussions is vital for both parties, as these negotiations could significantly impact train services and Deutsche Bahn's future.
