Martin Seiler is the man who had to resolve the wage dispute with the train drivers at the railway. What did he learn from this endless dispute?
Mr. Seiler, you have had a tough industrial dispute with Claus Weselsky, the head of the German Locomotive Drivers’ Union (GDL). Did you have a beer together after graduation?
We had a difficult, tough collective bargaining round. In the end, neither a joint press conference nor drinking beer together was suitable. We sealed it very matter-of-factly with our signatures and a handshake.
Weselsky insulted you personally during the industrial dispute: “loudmouth,” “mimosa,” and “those idiots on the board.” Did you back down?
That is not my style. That would be out of place in my role and my responsibility.
Source: Stern
