The employer wants to go back to the negotiating table, but the employees don’t. Deutsche Bahn’s offer is not a “serious one”, says GDL boss Claus Weselsky. How does it go from here?
The union of German locomotive drivers (GDL) does not want to return to the negotiating table for the time being in the current wage dispute with Deutsche Bahn.
A corresponding request from the group, which it had combined with a concrete offer, was rejected by the union on Tuesday.
“It is neither a serious nor an extended offer,” said GDL boss Claus Weselsky. The design of the railway is a “sham offer”.
The employers’ side asked the GDL last Thursday to continue the negotiations and made suggestions as to when certain tariff levels could apply: Employees would receive 1.5 percent more money from January 2022. From March 2023, salaries and wages would then be reduced a further 1.7 percent increase. With a total volume of 3.2 percent, Deutsche Bahn orients itself towards the airport termination in the public service.
The union, on the other hand, wants the steps to be applied more quickly: It is now demanding 1.4 percent more money for the current year as well as 600 euros in Corona aid. As early as next year, wages and salaries should then rise by a further 1.8 percent. The collective bargaining dispute also includes issues of old-age provision and mobility benefits.
A good four weeks ago, the GDL declared the collective bargaining talks to have failed and announced a strike vote on strikes. This should be counted on August 9th. “The GDL will not bother to answer the employer,” said the union with a view to the updated offer of the railway. The GDL also ruled out arbitration within the framework of the current collective bargaining round.
The railway criticized the union’s attitude on Tuesday. “Anyone who does not come to the negotiating table now does not want a solution and has no interest in finding reasonable compromises,” said a spokeswoman. The most recent offer is very much an improved offer. Employees thus received more money in the past.
Jane Stock is a technology author, who has written for 24 Hours World. She writes about the latest in technology news and trends, and is always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to improve his audience’s experience.
