GDL boss Weselsky: No reason to return to negotiations

The head of the German Train Drivers' Union (GDL), Claus Weselsky, currently sees no reason to continue collective bargaining. "There must be an end to sham offers," he said on Friday at a rally on the fourth day of the strike in Dresden. He criticized the fact that the employer was only "moving by the millimetre" and only wanted to negotiate on certain issues such as the collective agreement for train dispatchers. "These are basic rights, I won't go to arbitration or to the negotiating table."

Even the latest offer of a 37-hour week was not an option for Weselsky because of the half-sentence that this would only work if there were enough staff. He pointed out that 18 railroad companies had already committed to supporting the reduction in working hours with recruitment and training.

Despite the considerable impact on travelers and commuters, Weselsky defended the rail strike planned until Monday evening. Industrial action for better income and working conditions is neither indecent nor criminal. The mood was excellent, he said. "Above all, I don't wish our passengers that anyone would want to find out how long we as GDL can hold out". And there is broad support on the union side. "No one should count on there being a lack of solidarity."

The train drivers' union has been on strike on passenger transport at Deutsche Bahn since Wednesday. The industrial action in freight transport had already begun the previous evening. The union called for rallies in several cities. The main point of contention in the wage dispute is shorter working hours for shift workers.