State-owned company is still blocking
GDL is making progress on the working time issue – but not on the railway
December 5, 2023, 9:59 a.m
Listen to article
This audio version was artificially generated. More info | Send feedback
The deadlocked collective bargaining negotiations between the railways and the GDL are causing many passengers to sweat at the thought of strikes. But there are bright spots: With two regional train operators, progress is being made on the core issue of reducing working hours. But labor disputes are not off the table.
The train drivers’ union GDL has announced progress in its collective bargaining with two railway companies. The union said on Monday evening that Transdev had shown itself ready to talk about reducing weekly working hours. Therefore, the negotiations would continue this Tuesday. At Netinera, discussions about the core issue of reducing working hours are “well advanced”. There could be a conclusion next week.
Transdev and Netinera each operate a number of regional railways in several federal states. The union explained that the GDL would not call for strikes by companies for the duration of the negotiations. On the other hand, she accused Deutsche Bahn of remaining “in its ignorant blockade attitude” and thus “accepting further labor disputes”.
The GDL declared collective bargaining at DB to have failed a week and a half ago. However, there has been no strike announcement so far. The crux of the matter is the dispute over the 35-hour week for shift workers. The railway rejects the reduction in working hours and a four-day week with full wage compensation.
Regarding the negotiations at Transdev, the GDL stated that the railway company was ready to talk about a 35-hour week with five working days. The union did not provide any further information about the possible agreement at Netinera.