Germany’s GDL practice drivers’ union on Sunday introduced additional strike motion as talks with state-owned rail operator Deutsche Bahn (DB) seemed to be deadlocked.
The union has introduced a strike in passenger transport beginning early Wednesday and lasting till Friday night. GDL drivers in freight transport start their strike on January 9, the union mentioned.
The 2 sides have been attempting to agree on a deal on working hours, with GDL wanting hours minimize from 38 to 35 per week with out affecting pay.
GDL has already introduced passenger trains to a standstill twice with 20-hour and 24-hour strikes.
DB in search of and injunction
“This strike is just not solely fully pointless, however we additionally take into account it to be legally inadmissible,” Martin Seiler, DB’s chief human sources officer, mentioned.
Seiler mentioned that DB had introduced an prolonged provide two days in the past by which it had taken a serious step towards the union’s core demand relating to working hours.
“DB is ready to compromise. It’s now time to barter once more. The GDL management has overreached, it should lastly come to its senses,” Seiler mentioned in a press release.
DB mentioned it will attempt to cease the strike with an injunction by means of a Frankfurt labor court docket.
GDL union asks for higher provide
The GDL union mentioned in December it deliberate a strike that may final a number of days after the Christmas vacation season.
“The DB Group has not used the Christmas truce to counteract industrial motion with a negotiable provide,” GDL mentioned.
Along with shorter working hours, GDL can also be in search of a pay hike of €555 ($606) per thirty days and an inflation compensation bonus for its members.
Negotiations between the union and Deutsche Bahn broke off on the finish of November, with drivers staging a 24-hour strike in December.
DB has flatly rejected the demand for a discount in working hours on account of a labor scarcity.
It has as a substitute provided an 11% enhance in wages and salaries for a collective settlement time period of 32 months.
The GDL has rejected the provide.
rm/lo (Reuters, dpa, AFP)
