As of: March 16, 2024 3:02 p.m
After the sixth train driver strike, which ended on Wednesday, the GDL is negotiating again with Deutsche Bahn. The group is optimistic about reaching an agreement. Further strikes have therefore been averted for the time being.
Both collective bargaining partners are confident that they will be able to announce a result next week, Deutsche Bahn and the GDL announced in identical wording on Saturday. Until then, the GDL will refrain from further strikes. “An agreement was reached on many issues,” it said. The negotiations therefore take place in a small circle and behind closed doors. It was agreed not to disclose the further status of the negotiations. “The negotiations are intensive but constructive,” continued Bahn and GDL.
Deadlocked tariff dispute between GDL and Bahn
The sixth strike by Deutsche Bahn train drivers ended as planned on Wednesday morning after 24 hours. The main point of contention in the collective bargaining dispute is working hours. The union is calling for the weekly working hours for shift workers to be reduced from 38 to 35 hours without any financial losses. The railway had previously offered to reduce this in two stages from the current 38 hours to 36 hours – without any loss of wages.
AUDIO: Ramelow on GDL strikes: “Customers are victims of the railway board” (9 min)
Wissing campaigned for “Easter Peace”.
Transport Minister Volker Wissing (FDP) appeals to the unions to ensure a strike break over Easter.
With a view to the upcoming vacations and public holidays, Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing (FDP) commented on the ongoing strikes on the railways and in air transport. The minister called for an “Easter peace” from the unions in the two areas. “The unions should make it clear in good time that there will be no strikes during the Easter period,” Wissing told the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung”. Countless social encounters are planned over Easter that could not take place if the trains were not running and planes were grounded.
Air traffic strikes paralyze airports in the north
On Thursday, a strike by aviation security staff paralyzed air traffic in Hamburg. At the start of the holidays in Hamburg and Lower Saxony, no planes could take off from Hanover until Friday afternoon. There will also be a strike in bus transport in Schleswig-Holstein at the weekend. For travelers in the north, this means uncertainty and a lack of planning.
Further information
Several tariff conflicts are currently keeping travelers in Northern Germany on tenterhooks. Now Volker Wissing speaks out and appeals to the unions. more
The train drivers’ union GDL went on strike again. Passenger traffic was massively affected. What can rail customers do? more
The ADAC expects the greatest risk of traffic jams to be on Maundy Thursday. But there will be a lot going on next weekend too. more
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NDR Info | March 16, 2024 | 1:09 p.m