Deutsche Bahn and GDL continue to argue – warning strikes are more and more likely

The Deutsche Bahn and the Union of German Locomotive Drivers (GDL) are not converging in the collective bargaining dispute – this makes warning strikes more likely. The GDL announced on the evening of Pentecost Monday that it was rejecting the offer made by Deutsche Bahn on May 17 “to cope with the corona crisis in solidarity,” said a spokeswoman for Deutsche Bahn. At the same time, the GDL again submitted an extensive package of claims that continues to go beyond the economic framework.

Union chief Claus Weselsky had already shown himself dissatisfied with the offer of the railway a week ago and said that the probability of labor disputes had increased with this offer. The GDL wanted to comment on how to proceed by Monday. Weselsky did not name a specific start of possible warning strike actions. He stressed that travelers would be informed about possible restrictions in good time.

Bahn is always ready to negotiate

On May 17, Deutsche Bahn submitted an offer for the first time in the ongoing collective bargaining dispute, based on the deal that the group had already concluded with the larger railway and transport union (EVG) in September. It includes, among other things, a wage and salary increase of 1.5 percent from next year and a term until 2023. From the point of view of GDL, the group thus fell significantly short of the demands. The union had demanded, among other things, 4.8 percent more money and a one-time corona bonus of 1,300 euros.

The railway spokeswoman announced that the railway would immediately subject the letter from the GDL to an intensive examination. In view of the current situation, Deutsche Bahn described the union’s proposal for a negotiation date “in 14 days” as “completely incomprehensible”. The railway is always ready to negotiate.