The train drivers’ union GDL has declared the longest strike to date on the railway. Deutsche Bahn has not yet gone far enough to accommodate her in the tariff dispute. That’s how far apart the positions are.
The train drivers’ union GDL is on strike at Deutsche Bahn for six days starting on January 24th. The strike begins on passenger traffic early Wednesday morning at 2 a.m. and ends on Monday, January 29th at 6 p.m. The union members at DB Cargo, which is responsible for freight transport, have been called on strike from Tuesday at 6 p.m. Difficult days lie ahead for commuters, with thousands of train cancellations expected.
GDL: Less work with full wage compensation
The collective bargaining dispute that has been going on since November is now entering its fourth industrial dispute. The current status of the negotiation is as follows:
- The Deutsche Bahn offers the GDL members 4.8 percent more money from August 2024 and beyond 5 percent more from April 2025. In addition, payment of the inflation compensation premium is planned immediately after a possible collective bargaining agreement. According to the DB offer, the term should be 32 months.
- The railway offers train drivers and train attendants In addition, from January 1, 2026, the working hours will be included to reduce from 38 to 37 hours with the same salary. According to the offer, anyone who decides against the reduction will instead receive 2.7 percent more money. In total, the employees who remain at their current working hours received gross with the offer 13 percent more money than now.
- The GDL calls for a reduction in working hours for shift workers from 38 to 35 hours per week with full wage compensation. In addition 555 euros more per month as well as an inflation compensation premium for a 12-month term.
Source: Stern
