Shortly before the start of the multi-day strike in passenger transport, Transport Minister Volker Wissing called on Deutsche Bahn (DB) and the train drivers’ union GDL to return to the negotiating table.
“A way must be found that allows both sides to get along. We have to talk to each other about this. I urgently call on both sides to return to the negotiating table,” the FDP politician told “Bild”.
Strike until Friday
In the direction of the union, Wissing warned that in a democracy you have to “talk to each other, exchange arguments and negotiate instead of blocking people by standing still.” Collective bargaining autonomy does not release anyone from this social responsibility.
Deutsche Bahn had previously failed in its attempt before the Hessian State Labor Court to avert the GDL strike through an urgent application for an interim injunction.
The GDL began its strike measures at DB on Tuesday at 6 p.m. in freight transport. In passenger transport, the strike was scheduled to begin at 2 a.m. in the early morning. The planned end of the industrial action is Friday evening at 6 p.m. But the effects are also likely to be felt in the hours before and after.
