Thursday, August 26, 2021
GDL strikes “completely unnecessary”
Bahn sees an opportunity for a quick agreement
The second round of strike by train drivers has ended and GDL boss Weselsky is already threatening the next work stoppage. Although the railway does not have a new offer up its sleeve, it indicates a concession – provided that the GDL returns to the negotiating table.
In the wage dispute with the train drivers’ union GDL, Deutsche Bahn has indicated a concession, but initially made no new offer. Railway chief Richard Lutz asked the GDL chairman Claus Weselsky to resume negotiations. “We are sitting at the negotiating table, our hand is outstretched, the door is wide open. It is up to Mr Weselsky to just come to the table now and not stand outside and paralyze the entire country,” Lutz told the editorial network Germany (RND ).
The two GDL strikes were “completely unnecessary”. “The differences in the ideas of the railways and GDL are not so great as to justify these serious effects on the mobility of people and the supply of the economy,” said the chief executive of the railways. The GDL is calling for 3.2 percent more wages and a corona bonus, the railway offers 3.2 percent more wages and a corona bonus. The only difference is the runtime. “We will find a solution to this question, and it can be done very quickly.”
With a view to the planned negotiations, Lutz added: “We will certainly not come empty-handed.” Weselsky had promised further labor disputes on Wednesday if the railway should not present an improved tariff offer. For now, however, the train is back on schedule. The second strike of the month ended on Wednesday night.
The passenger association Pro Bahn criticized that the DB does not want to submit a new offer. “It is understandable when the GDL then asks what it should actually negotiate,” said Federal Chairman Detlef Neuss to the RND. It is clear to everyone that the GDL will not receive the required premium of 600 euros. “But it would be helpful if DB finally made a suggestion itself.”
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