The German Machinists' Union (GDL) called for a strike for the 4th time after failing to reach an agreement on a wage increase in its last meeting with German Railways (Deutsche Bahn).
The German Machinists' Union (GDL) decided to strike for the 4th time in three months after the wage increase negotiations with German Railways (Deutsche Bahn) failed. GDL called for a strike again today after the union rejected the new wage offer offered by Deutsche Bahn on Friday.
6-DAY STRIKE DECISION
In its statement earlier today, the union stated that the strike will last from 02:00 local time on Wednesday, January 24, to 18:00 local time on Monday, January 29. Freight train drivers were called to start a strike at 06:00 on Tuesday, January 25.
GDL President Claus Weselsky stated that the offer submitted by Deutsche Bahn did not reflect the intention of an agreement, and that the company continued its previous approach of rejection and conflict. A Deutsche Bahn spokesman said: “Deutsche Bahn relies on compromises, while GDL is exacerbating the conflict beyond measure. "Anyone who does not come to the negotiating table with an offer of a new raise of up to 13 percent and 37 hours of work at the same salary is being absolutely irresponsible," he said.
Deutsche Bahn and GDL have been fighting for a collective pay agreement since the beginning of November, with the union demanding a reduced working hours for shift workers from 38 to 35 hours at current wages.
While Deutsche Bahn offers flexibility in working hours, it refuses to reduce working hours without cutting wages.
(NEWS CENTER)
