No solution in sight: train drivers end strike – for the time being


Solution not in sight
Train drivers end strike – for the time being

The striking locomotive drivers of Deutsche Bahn have resumed work after the scheduled end of their two-day strike. However, the conflicting parties have by no means come closer in their dispute. Further strikes are possible in the near future.

The strike of the train drivers’ union GDL at Deutsche Bahn has ended. This is what representatives of both sides said after the scheduled end of the industrial action at 2:00 a.m. Today, the railway expects a largely normal operation in long-distance and regional traffic as well as on the S-Bahn. Before starting their journey, customers should nevertheless find out via the website, the app or by telephone whether their train is running as planned. However, a solution to the collective bargaining conflict is still not in sight. There is disagreement about when employees should receive income increases. There is also a struggle for a possible corona premium and company pensions.

The strike had started on Monday night in passenger traffic and in freight traffic on Saturday. A balance sheet from the GDL is still pending. It was her second labor dispute that month. Further strikes are possible.

The GDL competes with the Railway and Transport Union (EVG) for members of the railway. Unlike the EVG, it does not want to accept a zero round this year. The EVG chairman, Klaus-Dieter Hommel, has meanwhile called on Federal Transport Minister Andreas Scheuer to stay out of the tariff conflict at the railways. It is true that the GDL is “only partially concerned with material demands, but rather with political goals,” says Hommel’s letter to the politician. “Nevertheless, we are convinced that this collective bargaining round must only be resolved by the negotiating partners themselves.” Scheuer had criticized the GDL strike and asked the union to return to the negotiating table.

.