The next escalation in the collective bargaining dispute at the railway is imminent: In order to be able to strike for longer, the GDL has held a strike vote among its members. The result is clear.
The members of the German Locomotive Drivers Union want longer and harder strikes in the collective bargaining dispute at Deutsche Bahn and other railway companies. In a strike vote by the union, 97 percent of those who voted were in favor of indefinite industrial action. GDL boss Claus Weselsky presented the result on Tuesday evening in Frankfurt am Main. This significantly exceeded the necessary quorum of at least 75 percent. What awaits passengers?
Will there be another strike immediately?
No. GDL boss Claus Weselsky reiterated on Tuesday evening that the declared “Christmas and New Year peace” would last. “It remains the case that no industrial action is expected before January 8th,” he said. So people can go to their families over Christmas and come back again without worrying. But things could quickly get to the point in the new year. “What’s coming now will be stronger, longer, harder for customers,” the union boss announced in comparison to previous warning strikes.
How long can the GDL go on strike for?
In principle, strikes following a strike vote are not subject to a time limit. But the GDL is not talking about indefinite strikes, emphasized Weselsky. “We are aware of our responsibility.” At the same time, he made it clear that the previous strikes, which lasted a maximum of 24 hours, would not remain the same.
In previous collective bargaining rounds, strikes lasting several days were not uncommon. The longest GDL strike to date on the railway took place in May 2015 with 127 hours (5 days plus 7 hours) in passenger transport and 138 strike hours (5 days plus 18 hours) in freight transport. At that time, however, it was the eighth strike since the collective bargaining dispute began. In 2021, the GDL went on strike for around five days.
Why is a ballot needed for longer strikes?
For employees, every day of strike means loss of income. Although unions compensate for the loss of wages and salaries from the strike fund, they usually do not compensate for the full amount. The employees therefore send a signal through a ballot that they are prepared to make this financial sacrifice. For a union board to have the green light, at least 75 percent of participating employees must support indefinite strikes.
How often has DB Group been on strike this year?
The situation is also difficult for passengers because the fear of strikes caused unrest during the collective bargaining round with EVG in the spring and summer. The EVG called for warning strikes three times. They took place twice. The GDL’s most recent industrial action was the fourth warning strike at Deutsche Bahn this year. For the railway, such days mean high costs and annoyance for customers, whose mood is already limited given the low punctuality rate even without a tariff conflict.
When will negotiations be held again?
It is unclear when both sides will resume negotiations. At the end of November, the GDL declared the collective bargaining talks with Deutsche Bahn had failed and later also the negotiations with Transdev. At that time, Weselsky ruled out arbitration with the help of an external mediator. There is no way out in sight.
What is the collective bargaining dispute about?
The union is demanding, among other things, 555 euros more per month as well as a tax- and duty-free inflation compensation bonus for a term of one year. The railway offered eleven percent with a term of 32 months. However, at least according to public statements, money only plays a subordinate role. What is more important for the GDL is its demand for a reduction in weekly working hours for shift workers from 38 to 35 hours with full pay. The railway rejects this. From their point of view, the staff increase required for this is too large.
Just a few days ago, the GDL reached such an arrangement in negotiations with another railway company, the Italian state railway subsidiary Netinera. The 35-hour week for shift workers will be gradually introduced there from January 1, 2025. Netinera is significantly smaller than Deutsche Bahn and employs far fewer people in Germany.
How much do train drivers earn so far?
According to the company, as a train driver at Deutsche Bahn you earn between 45,000 euros and 56,000 euros a year including allowances, depending on your professional experience and assignments in international transport or as a trainer. You and the train attendants are among the most represented professional groups in the GDL.
Source: Stern
