Train delays at Düsseldorf Central Station (archive image)
Photo: Martin Gerten / picture-alliance / dpa
The train drivers' union GDL has announced a massive labor dispute for the coming weeks.
"The strikes will be harder and longer than in the past," said GDL boss Claus Weselsky - but did not give an exact date for possible strikes.
"I can't rule out strikes during the summer vacation," said Weselsky.
Only the railway could do that.
You have to put an offer on the table that deserves to be negotiated, said the unionist.
"Agreement actually within reach"
According to its own statements, Deutsche Bahn is ready to resume negotiations immediately and to find solutions.
"Because an agreement remains possible and is actually within reach," said a company spokeswoman and asked the GDL to return to the negotiating table immediately.
The railway made "well-founded offers".
Both sides have recently blamed each other for the failure of collective bargaining.
The GDL calls for wage increases like in the public service of around 3.2 percent.
According to Deutsche Bahn, the total demands of the train drivers add up to about three times as much.
"So that the managers can keep drinking bubbly"
The union rejects allegations of excessive demands.
The railway made losses in the virus crisis.
"But we doubt that the railroad man should turn his head for it," said Weselsky.
"The little man should be put in his pocket so that the managers can continue drinking bubbly." The railway would have to save money in a different way.
The railway has already agreed with the larger railway and transport union (EVG) a wage increase of 1.5 percent for a period from the beginning of 2022 to the end of February 2023.
There should be no wage increase in the current year.
Weselsky rejected such a zero round.
Both unions are in competition with each other.
ssu / Reuters