As of: March 11, 2024, 5:54 a.m
By: Mike Schier, Lukas Rogalla
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The GDL is calling for a new strike that will affect millions of rail passengers.
The railways and politicians react with frustration - Söder also makes accusations.
Munich - In the collective bargaining dispute with Deutsche Bahn, the train drivers' union GDL has called for a new strike.
The 24-hour strike in passenger transport is scheduled to begin from 2 a.m. on Tuesday.
For freight traffic, it is scheduled to begin on Monday evening (March 11th) at 6 p.m.
The railway described the strike as a “blatant imposition” for millions of rail passengers.
Despite the short lead time, attempts are being made to “offer a basic service for long-distance, regional and S-Bahn traffic,” explained the railway.
Frustration was also expressed in politics.
“Striking instead of negotiating is irresponsible,” said Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing (FDP).
GDL boss Claus Weselsky “continues to push the envelope further”.
Markus Söder is not happy with the rail strikes.
© Manngold/Imago / Frank Hoermann/SVEN SIMON/Imago |
Montage: IPPEN.MEDIA
Söder accuses GDL of “abusing” the right to strike because of the rail strike
Even before the GDL announcement on Sunday, Federal Economics Minister Robert Habeck said that his “personal understanding had now really come to an end”.
The dispute should not be fought “on the back”.
Just like Markus Söder: “Germany is not a strike country,” Bavaria’s Prime Minister told the
Münchner Merkur
on Friday .
“The right to strike is a valuable asset, but unfortunately the GDL is abusing it more and more.
“This is unacceptable in the long term,” said the CSU chairman.
“The disproportionate strike harms people, the economy and our prosperity.
That's why the Federal Transport Minister must now finally intervene personally and settle the strike quickly." Transport Minister Volker Wissing (FDP) had called on the parties to hold new talks several times.
The German Train Drivers' Union (GDL) gave the railway a deadline of 6 p.m. on Sunday evening on Friday.
According to its own information, it would have been ready for new negotiations from Monday if the company had submitted a new written offer by then.
But the railway let the deadline pass.
This will now “inevitably lead to industrial action,” GDL boss Claus Weselsky said, assigning the railway responsibility for what is now the sixth strike in this round of collective bargaining.
He also accused the railway board of “refusal to work” and a “PR campaign” to portray the GDL as not willing to compromise.
(with agencies)