In the collective bargaining dispute between the locomotive drivers’ union (GDL) and Deutsche Bahn, Transport Minister Volker Wissing has warned of strikes during the Christmas period.
“Christmas is considered a time of peace – all collective bargaining parties should think about that,” the FDP politician told the newspapers of the Funke media group. People wanted to visit relatives and friends, especially over Christmas. Therefore, he can only “appeal to all collective bargaining parties to be aware of their special responsibility and to design possible measures in such a way that people do not have to suffer as a result.”
The collective bargaining negotiations between the federally owned Deutsche Bahn and the GdL are scheduled to continue next week. GDL boss Claus Weselsky had threatened strikes before negotiations began last Thursday and had not ruled out industrial action over the Christmas period. Because of the strike threats, Deutsche Bahn has drawn up an emergency timetable with a greatly reduced offer. In long-distance transport it is less than 20 percent of the regular offer. In the event of a strike, Deutsche Bahn wants to use trains that are as long as possible and have more seats.
