New strikes threaten in Germany. The fronts between Deutsche Bahn and the train drivers’ union remain hardened.
Berlin – After the strike last week *, Deutsche Bahn * passengers have to fear another strike. In a protest rally on Tuesday (August 17, 2021) in Berlin, the German Train Drivers Union (GdL) threatened strikes again. In front of the assembled members, the chairman Claus Weselsky explained: “You know that we have to use this last resort again if the management, supported by the owner, continues to behave like this.”
This suggests that another strike could possibly happen in the near future. Last week the GdL announced that it would only take a “very short time” after this protest rally before the strike would come again. However, there has not yet been a specific date for the new strike.
Deutsche Bahn (DB): New strikes threaten – GdL continues to exert pressure
The GdL called for the rally together with its umbrella organization, the German Association of Officials (dbb). A few dozen members had gathered for the protest in front of the DB Tower in Berlin.
Ulrich Silberbach, head of the dbb, said on Monday (August 16, 2021) that there would probably have to be further strike actions.
DB: Next strike could last longer and include the weekend
Last week, with a lead time of just 15 hours, the strike caught many travelers unprepared. Now GdL chairman Claus Weselsky has assured that passengers will probably be able to prepare for the strike longer this time.
However, Weselsky also indicated that the upcoming strike could be a longer-term one. It could also be that this strike includes a weekend, according to the GdL chief
Deutsche Bahn: New strikes threaten – GdL rejects attempt at arbitration by Transport Minister Scheuer
The GdL boss rejected a proposal by the Federal Transport Minister Andreas Scheuer (CSU *) for an arbitration procedure in this deadlocked strike with the words: “I can only laugh”. In addition, Weselsky said that “the last cartridge” had already been “fired” last year when an arbitration failed. Scheuer wanted to stand up for an arbitrator whose result both parties should have accepted.
Wage dispute: no speedy agreement in sight
Last week, the union increased pressure on employers with strikes in passenger and freight transport and threatened further stoppages. The union is calling for a wage increase as early as 2021 and a 600 euro corona * bonus. Deutsche Bahn rejected both. The group does not want to pay more money until 2022. The company repeatedly called the GdL back to the negotiating table. The fronts seem hardened and a swift agreement is not in sight. (Lukas Zigo with dpa) * fnp.de and fr.de are offers from IPPEN.MEDIA
