After collective bargaining negotiations between the train drivers’ union GDL and Deutsche Bahn failed again, Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing (FDP) appealed to both sides’ willingness to compromise. “We won’t get anywhere here by insisting on maximum positions. It would no longer be explainable to the people in this country if there were another strike after months of negotiations because those responsible at the negotiating table couldn’t find a solution,” he told “Bild am Sonntag”.
In addition to rail drivers, the economy would also be affected by new strikes because freight transport would also not be able to run and coal transport for power plants, for example, could have problems. Wissing warned: “In addition to the massive disruption to everyday life for large parts of the population, those responsible should remember that there is war in Europe. This wage dispute must not become a security risk. We must find a common solution to this problem.”
After the premature failure of four weeks of negotiations on Thursday, the GDL announced that it would stick to its self-imposed peace obligation up to and including Sunday. But from next week there is a risk of long labor disputes again and thus far-reaching disruptions to long-distance, regional and freight transport.