At the train drivers' union (GDL), the situation is currently precarious.
The collective agreement has expired, but it is unclear whether the GDL will ever be able to build on its former importance.
Now the nerves are on edge.
Munich - When it comes to wage demands, the German Locomotive Drivers Union (GDL) likes to take a tough course.
In the ongoing negotiations, GDL boss Claus Weselsky wants 4.8 percent more salary and a one-off payment of 1,300 euros for his own clientele.
But the union keeps its fingers crossed for its own employees.
For 2021, the GDL has prescribed a zero round for its employees - because of Corona.
This is reported by the Bild newspaper, citing an internal letter.
After that, all salary increases are to be canceled.
All festivals such as Christmas parties are also sacrificed to the red pen for cost reasons.
GDL: Tense economic situation
The economic situation at the battle-hardened union is said to be tense, the cash register clammy.
In a letter to their employees, the GDL leadership encouraged the employees to enter into a dialogue.
"If you need to talk to us, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Do not be afraid to come to us with your fears and worries in these difficult times. "
The latest collective agreement between GDL and Deutsche Bahn only expired at the end of February.
But collective bargaining is currently not in sight.
It was only on Thursday that the GDL rejected an appointment proposal from the railway, said railway personnel director Martin Seiler.
With the expiry of the collective agreements, the peace obligation also ended.
Warning strikes are therefore conceivable.
The GDL has not yet announced any.
GDL: Concern about the negotiating position
Last week, the GDL made the start of collective bargaining dependent on the question of where and to whom the contracts ultimately apply.
Because the federally owned company is currently in the process of implementing the so-called unified collective bargaining law.
Accordingly, if there are several unions in a company, only the contract with the association with the larger number of members applies.
In most of the 300 or so railway companies, this would be the contract with the larger railway and transport union (EVG).
In order to prevent the application of the law, EVG, GDL and Bahn would have to agree on a different regulation.
However, the EVG has so far refused to discuss this.
She agreed on a new collective bargaining agreement with Deutsche Bahn last year, which includes a wage increase of 1.5 percent and employment guarantees from the group.
