In case of failure “hot autumn”
No rail strike – EVG accepts offer for arbitration
06/29/2023, 3:10 p.m
Train passengers can breathe easy – at least temporarily. Bahn and EVG want to solve the deadlocked tariff conflict in the arbitration process. However, the ballot among the members on indefinite strikes continues. It could then escalate in the fall.
After the failed collective bargaining round with Deutsche Bahn, the railway workers’ union EVG is now also opting for a solution in arbitration. The EVG announced after a meeting of the federal executive board that the state-owned company’s proposal for an arbitration procedure was accepted. At the same time, the vote on indefinite strikes is being held. During an arbitration there is a peace obligation. During this time, no strikes are allowed.
“We are ready to start preparing for arbitration as soon as possible,” said EVG negotiator Kristian Loroch. “If the result is not convincing, there is a risk of a hot autumn, with massive effects on railways and buses in the Deutsche Bahn area.” Then there will be indefinite strikes, emphasized the EVG.
Last week, the EVG declared the negotiations with the state-owned company to have failed and called on its members to vote. This should take about four to five weeks, after which indefinite strikes would be possible. According to trade union circles, the EVG had recently also discussed a possible all-day warning strike on Tuesday. According to trade union circles, the topic is off the table for the time being.
The EVG had originally demanded twelve percent more wages, but at least 650 euros more per month – for a period of twelve months. The union negotiates for around 230,000 employees at around 50 rail and bus companies, including around 180,000 at Deutsche Bahn. The railways had recently promised a “high fixed amount” and an additional inflation adjustment of 2850 euros net for a period of 27 months and further structural improvements.
EVG collective bargaining board member Cosima Ingenschay said last week that the status of negotiations with the railways was a fixed amount of 400 euros in two steps – in December 2023 and August 2024. This was not sufficient.