The tough tariff conflict at the railway is over. So is everything okay again? Not for the CSU. Their lesson from the strikes: The rules are not enough for labor disputes in critical infrastructure.
Even after the end of the tough collective bargaining dispute at Deutsche Bahn, the CSU is pushing for the right to strike to be tightened. “The past few months have shown that the railway, as a critical infrastructure, must be particularly protected,” said CSU General Secretary Martin Huber to the German Press Agency. “Striking is a fundamental right that needs stricter rules in the future.”
Strikes should only be permitted after an unsuccessful arbitration procedure, should be announced one week in advance and should last a maximum of three days in a row. “Strike must not be used as an end in itself,” said the CSU politician.
On Monday, Deutsche Bahn and the German Locomotive Drivers’ Union (GDL) settled their months-long collective bargaining dispute. There were six strikes with significant restrictions on rail passengers, which some politicians viewed as completely excessive.
Bahn and GDL have now also agreed that after the expiry of the collective agreements that have now been concluded, there should initially be a two-month negotiation phase with a peace obligation. This means that no GDL industrial action is possible until the end of February 2026. Even before the negotiations, modalities for a possible arbitration agreement should be discussed in the event that the talks fail.
Source: Stern
