Saturday, January 27, 2024

Germany's train drivers strike to end early

Train drivers across Germany will end their strike early and return in time for the start of the workweek.



The ongoing strike, has disrupted road and train traffic in Germany and its neighboring countriesImage: Michael Probst/AP/picture alliance


The GDL German train drivers union has agreed to end its strike early and return to work early on Monday, the union and Deutsche Bahn said on Saturday.

Millions of German passengers were caught up as the union escalated an ongoing labor dispute with Deutsche Bahn.

On Wednesday, train operators for passengers in Germany went on strike, announcing that they wouldn't be back to work until Monday night.

Bu the union and the railway operator held talks overnight into Saturday and train drivers now plan to return to work on Monday at 2 a.m. Drivers of freight trains are to end their strike on Sunday at 6 p.m.

"Negotiations are finally back on track. Our customers have planning security and our employees have the prospect of early pay rises," Deutsche Bahn's human resources director Martin Seiler said in a statement.
No further strikes until March 3

Negotiations are to be held in private over the next five weeks and there are no strikes planned until until at least March 3.

The main point of contention in the labor dispute revolves around the required working hours for drivers on a shift schedule. Currently, drivers work a 38-hour week. The GDL is pushing for a 35-hour week, while Deutsche Bahn has offered a 37-hour week.

"DB's willingness to negotiate a reduction in working hours for shift workers is of central importance," said GDL leader Claus Weselsky.

In addition to the hours, the union is advocating for a monthly pay increase of €555 (approximately $600) before taxes for all its members. This amounts to an 18% raise in starting salaries.

In contrast, Deutsche Bahn's latest proposal, rejected by the union, suggests an almost 13% increase for those working the full 38-hour week.

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