The EVG had already twice called for warning strikes in the collective bargaining dispute.
(Photo: dpa)
Berlin Commuters and travelers will soon have to adjust to far-reaching restrictions in nationwide rail traffic again – when exactly is still open. On Wednesday in Berlin, the railway and transport union promised warning strikes in the collective bargaining dispute at Deutsche Bahn, but did not name an exact period.
“We will discuss this with our colleagues,” said negotiator Kristian Loroch on Wednesday in Berlin. The collective bargaining commission will discuss appropriate proposals in the coming days.
This means that the collective bargaining conflict for around 180,000 employees at Deutsche Bahn is coming to a head. “We have to assume that Deutsche Bahn AG is pursuing a strategy here that means: eat it or go on strike,” said Loroch. The union had rejected the group’s latest offer late Tuesday evening and called for short-term negotiations for this Wednesday. The railways then rejected further talks for the time being.
“It’s pointless at the moment because the ECG doesn’t move a millimeter,” criticized Bahn HR Director Martin Seiler on Wednesday night. “The union shows no concessions and makes no proposals for solutions. She just stubbornly insists on her initial demands,” said Seiler. “There’s no point putting out another offer.”
With this rejection, the strike option is on the table, EVG negotiator Loroch emphasized on Wednesday. “We are currently thinking about warning strikes.” However, a ballot among the members about indefinite strikes is also an option.
Deutsche Bahn: “No basis for negotiations” with EVG
The EVG does not see essential requirements in the current offer of the railway. “What is currently on the table is socially unfair,” said negotiator Kristian Loroch. It means a loss of real wages for Deutsche Bahn employees.
The railway had submitted the current offer at the most recent round of negotiations last week in Fulda. It includes the following possible salary increases:
- gradually twelve percent for the lower wage brackets
- The middle groups should get a total of ten percent more
- the upper groups are to receive eight percent.
The first stage of the increase should therefore come this year. In addition, there is also a gradual inflation compensation premium totaling 2850 euros, which could be paid tax- and duty-free from this July. The term should be 24 months.
The union, on the other hand, demands a fixed amount of at least 650 euros per month more or twelve percent for the upper wage brackets. According to their ideas, the term should only be twelve months. EVG has so far strictly rejected one-off payments.
The EVG has already paralyzed rail traffic twice in the ongoing wage dispute with warning strikes. A third labor dispute, which was supposed to last 50 hours, was called off by the union at short notice after it had reached a settlement with Deutsche Bahn before the Frankfurt Labor Court on one of the sticking points.
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