The GDL strike in passenger transport has been going on since Wednesday. At a rally in Dresden, Weselsky speaks plainly.
The head of the German Locomotive Drivers’ Union (GDL), Claus Weselsky, currently sees no reason to continue collective bargaining. “There has to be an end to bogus offers,” he said at a rally on the fourth day of the strike in Dresden.
He criticized the fact that the employer only “moves by millimeters” and only wants to negotiate on certain things, such as the collective agreement for dispatchers. “These are fundamental rights, so I won’t go to arbitration or to the negotiating table.”
The latest offer for a 37-hour week is also not an option for Weselsky because of the half-statement that this only works if there are enough staff. He pointed out that 18 railway companies had already committed to accompanying the reduction in working hours with recruitment and training.
Weselsky defends the rail strike
Despite the significant impact on travelers and commuters, Weselsky defended the rail strike planned until Monday evening. Industrial action for better income and working conditions is neither indecent nor criminal. The atmosphere was excellent, he said. “Above all, I don’t wish our passengers that anyone wants to find out how long we as GDL can last.” And there is broad support on the trade union side. “Nobody should assume that there will be a loss of solidarity.”
The train drivers’ union has been on strike on passenger transport at Deutsche Bahn since Wednesday. The industrial dispute in freight transport had already begun the evening before. The union called for rallies in several cities. The main point of contention in the collective bargaining dispute is shorter working hours for shift workers.
Source: Stern
