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Regional train near Cologne Deutz: Heading for a strike with Karacho?
Photo: dpa picture alliance / Christoph Hardt / Geisler-Fotopres / picture alliance / Geisler-Fotop
The union of German locomotive drivers (GDL) refuses to enter into collective bargaining to reduce personnel costs at Deutsche Bahn.
The state-owned company had called for this in view of billions in losses.
One does not oppose a restructuring course, it says in a letter from the union to the employers' association.
However, there is a lack of full transparency about future financial requirements.
There is also no reason why the direct staff has to make a savings contribution.
The railway called the cancellation incomprehensible.
One is still ready to talk and negotiate.
The employers' association called on the GDL to negotiate last month.
The group is in the biggest crisis since it was founded in 1994, the letter said.
From 2020 to 2024, 1.85 to 2.3 billion euros will be saved in personnel.
GDL: Bloated administration, expensive foreign activities
The collective bargaining agreements at Deutsche Bahn are valid until the end of February.
Unlike the GDL, the larger railway and transport union (EVG) has agreed to negotiations, and initial agreements have been reached on important points.
The GDL calls for a restructuring of the largest German state company.
Management and administration are inflated, billions in investments abroad and activities outside the railroad in Germany burdened the group, according to an open letter to politicians and associations that was distributed on Thursday.
Billions in government aid planned to date cemented the structural problems and distorted competition.
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mamk / dpa
